Well, another Masonic Week has come and gone. This year was unique as I took my mother with me. She had never been to DC and this was one of the things she wanted to do with my father before he passed. We flew in a few days before Masonic Week kicked off and visited as much as we could in three days.
On Tuesday we visited the Perry-Belmont House which is now used as the headquarters for the Order of the Eastern Star. This place is absolutely beautiful. We then visited the House of the Temple before going to the National Cathedral. After a quick lunch, we went down to the George Washington Masonic Memorial. Afterward, we toured Old Town Alexandria with the help of a local Brother.
Wednesday began early and we were out at the National Mall by sunrise. We toured the Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, and WWII Memorial. We then got to tour the White House. Midday we toured the Supreme Court after which we got a private tour of the US Capitol. Even though I had walked through that building hundreds of times during my internship with the US Senate, I still love visiting this magnificent edifice. I then took my mother on a tour of the Library of Congress. After this very long day, we met with some Masons who had arrived for Masonic Week.
Thursday was spent visiting Arlington National Cemetery, the National Archives, the National Gallery of Art, and the Museum of Natural History. By visiting all of these sites, we walked roughly 25-miles.
Friday morning was the first day of Masonic Week for me. It opened with the Grand Council of Knight Masons, USA. I was happy to receive, on behalf of the Sir Knights, the official charter of Knights of Tara Council No.122, Knight Masons. After lunch, I was made a member of the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests by the Grand Preceptor as a courtesy to Redemption Tabernacle no.XL. I had the pleasure of seeing a good friend and mentor, Jim Herndon, be elected and installed as Most Eminent Grand Preceptor of the Grand College of America. Following a small break, I attended the Grand College of Rites, USA, where Bro. Bob Malwitz was elected and installed as Grand Chancellor. The Masonic Society put on a great meal and presentation by Bro. Mark Tabbert and Bro. Jake Hochberg was elected President of the Masonic Society. The last meeting of the night was the Masonic Order of the Bath. We brought in several new members and I am now the Very Honorable Deputy Commander-General.
I started Saturday morning with the Annual Convention of the Grand Chapter of the Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor. After lunch was the 128th Annual Convocation of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the USA. Following the All Masonic Banquet, I received the degrees of Worshipful Commander Noah and Installed Supreme Ruler
It was great to see so many Brothers, but all good things must come to an end. After 6-hours of flight, we made it back home and I have to get ready for a work trip tomorrow. The traveling never stops!
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