My Brothers All: Independence Day is a US federal holiday commemorating the Declaration of Independence and was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.The Second Continental Congress declared that the Thirteen Colonies were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states.

The Fourth of July (Independence Day) has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the American Revolution. Let us all take a moment to thank those who are currently serving or have served in our armed forces for their efforts in protecting our nation. We enjoy freedom paid for by their sacrifices.

Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches, and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States.

Our July open meeting is on Friday the 23rd starts with dinner at 6:30pm, followed in the Lodge Room with a program on our American Flag presented by the National Sojourners.

I would also like to thank ILL Richard G. Hoover, 33° Sovereign Grand Inspector General (SGIG) of the Supreme Council in the Southern Jurisdiction for the Orient of Florida who joined us at our June 24th meeting. ILL Rick’s visit drew a nice attendance of Brothers and their ladies. We collected in excess of $3,500 for the Foundation to start the 2023 year, which will be put to good use at the Center for Speech and Language (CS/L) the clinic here in Orlando. Thanks to all who attended and welcomed our new 32° Masters of the Royal Secret to the Valley of Orlando, as they were received through the Ring Ceremony.

Remember, the “Master Craftsman” program is available to all who are interested. It will assist you in gaining a better understanding of The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, as well as the basics of Freemasonry. As I shared with you, we have a very active Master Craftsman study group program within the Valley that is available to you. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. If interested, please contact ILL Keith our Valley Secretary at 407-657-4550 or via eMail at GenSecOrl@gmail.com who will assist you in getting started and ensure you are added to the mailing list to receive all invitations to participate via ZOOM. Keep in mind that participating in a study group enhances the Master Craftsman experience for everyone and starts the building of fraternal friendships between those brothers who participate.

In each eNews article, you are encouraged to read the bi-monthly Scottish Rite Journal to enjoy the excellent articles and information to continue growing and learning about Freemasonry. The Short Talk Bulletin (STB) offers short stories about many varied topics. Each Masonic Lodge receives a copy of the STB each month. Please take 10 minutes to read and reflect.

At the start of the 2022 year, through the eNews, we started sharing short articles on notable Brothers within the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. This section has expanded and is titled “Notable Brothers of Free and Accepted Masonry.” Each month this section provides an article on a notable Brother Mason(s). To date we have enjoyed featured articles on Albert Pike, Brother Robert Burns, Masonic Presidents, Albert Gallatin Mackey, Benjamin Franklin, J. Edgar Hoover and Clark Gable. These short articles afford you another opportunity to learn about the many who have gone before us. Please read and enjoy!

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 available for those who 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!”