My Brothers all:  

Patriotism is something that we, as Scottish Rite Freemasons, embrace and celebrate. On or around the Flag Day holiday, we take time to reflect on the patriotism the United States of America has historically displayed. This year on June 8th, the Valley of Orlando presented a Flag Day program that was chaired by Brother Chris Durie Venerable Master of the Knights of Saint Andrew. To focus on the Flag of our country, it’s beginning and the rich history, we invited the National Sojourners – Hero’s of ’76 unit to share their “History of the Flag” program. Thanks go to my brother Sojourners and their ladies for their support; and my heartfelt thanks to Brother Chris Durie for making it happen, along with the many others who participated. While the attendance was less than anticipated, those who attended enjoyed an informational program followed with hamburgers, hot dogs, and the fixins.

In that, this is a Biennial Year we will be coronating and investing brothers from around the Orient with honors. This will again take place at the Valley of Tampa with details to follow after our summer Council of 400 meeting. However, for now, I encourage all who desire to attend to put the weekend of November 9th and 10th on your calendar. The Ceremony of Coronation for new 33° Inspectors Generals will take place the morning of November 9th, and the Ceremony of Investiture of new Knights Commanders of the Court of Honour will take place the afternoon of the 9th. The evening of the 9th will be the Celebratory Banquet. I mentioned in my previous article that I would have some good news concerning Honors weekend; the KCCH Investiture Ceremony will be open to family and friends! That means many who in the past were not able to gain admission will be able to witness the KCCH Investiture. No doubt there will be several brothers who as Masters of the Royal Secret might want to attend. As soon as details are final, I will ensure they are published in our eNews so you can lock in your plans for that weekend.

Our meeting on the 28th is a busy one. This meeting will include a variety of events. First, the Ring Ceremony to welcome our new Brothers. Then the Knighting Ceremony encouraging our new brothers to become members of the Knights of Saint Andrew. A presentation by the Director of our local Language Learning Disorder Clinic. And last, but not least, Ill:. Rick Hoover, 33° Deputy of the Orient of Florida who will share his thoughts on Scottish Rite in Florida and our Foundation. I am confident that Ill:. Rick, our Deputy, would be pleased to accept a donation from you to the Foundation, which supports the fourteen clinics we have in the State of Florida. Dinner is at 6:30 p.m. and an open meeting that will start promptly at 7:30 p.m. Please join us as we welcome our new Masters of the Royal Secret for a busy evening. Please extend the invitation for your lady to join you, and any brothers and their ladies you would like to introduce to the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.

The July 26th meeting will be of particular interest to members of the Scottish Rite. We will start with dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed with a tyled meeting featuring The Knights of Saint Andrew, who will exemplify the twenty-ninth degree. It is anticipated that this will take around an hour and will include a “short” overview before the degree, offering tips on what to look for in this degree. I invite any and all members of the AASR Valley of Orlando to join us. So that you can prepare, ladies and families are welcome for dinner; however, you are reminded that the tyled meeting is anticipated to take around an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes, and your ladies and or families will have to wait for this time.

Until next time, remember the many things for which you are thankful!  Be safe in your travels; “whisper wise counsel in the ear of an erring brother;” and respect the dignity of all, as it makes you and our fraternity stronger one action at a time.  We want to ensure that what we are enjoying today will be strong for those who will follow.  Simply stated – “We lead the way today, so those who follow us can lead the way tomorrow!”  Thanks for your continued support and participation; and may the “Spirit of Fraternity” reign supreme within our “Valley of Orlando!”

Fraternally,

Ill:. Chester A. “Chet” King, 33°
Personal Representative

“People forget what you say, and forget what you do, but forever remember how you make them feel!”