The evening gathering set aside to honor our Veterans was opened with a hearty welcome by Bro. Thomas Santmyer, 32º, Thrice Potent Master of the Central City Lodge of Perfection. Bro. Allan Ferguson, 32°, Most Wise Master of the Central City Chapter of Rose Croix , gave the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Bro. Thomas Santmyer, 32°. Ill.˙. Bruce Ackerman presented the POW-MIA Tableau and remembrance. A Baked Ziti dinner, prepared by Centerville Chapter 185, OES was served to 66 guests. After dinner, members, accompanied by their ladies, retired to the lodge room for the Veterans’ Recognition Ceremony and a special program presentation of “The Ring That Went Round The World”. This presentation, given by the members of the Valley of Syracuse, was a “tribute to and an emotional rendition of Patriotism, Heroism, and Masonic Brotherhood to those who have given their lives in service to their Country and to those who returned.” The presentation was the true story of Brother Truman Charles Toby, a member of Cortland Lodge #470 and a World War I veteran. Bro Allan Ferguson offered the prelude as well as the benediction, brevities were given by Ill.˙. David Spencer, 33°, Active Member and Ill.˙. Peter Samiec, 33°, Active Member and Deputy for New York.
This year, there were two recipients of The Masonic Veteran of the Year Award. This year’s recipients were S.P. Robert T. Mantia, 32° and D.B. Daniel L. Clark, 32°,MSA. Dr. Samuel L. Forcucci was presented the Non Masonic Veteran of the Year award for his duty to his country as a non-Mason.
The evening was a quiet remembrance of those who gave the ultimate. Most of them have come home to receive our honor and thanks, but we still remember those who, apparently gave the ultimate, but haven’t been brought home. It was also a time of thanksgiving, for those who have come home and could be with us, as well as those still fighting. Only three men were honored at our celebration, but in our hearts those awards could be given to every man and women who has or is serving our country now. The back page of the program included a writing of Father Denis Edward O’Brien, USMC, entitled “What is a Vet?” It is a very well written, thought provoking definition of what is a veteran of the United States Armed Forces.
More photos can be viewed here.
Respectfully submitted,
Ill.˙.Lynwood J. Bennerson, 33°
1st Lt. Commander
Valley of Syracuse, AASR
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