Rainbow Veterans Day program 2012

I was honored to be asked to present a program to Arlington Rainbow Assembly # 96 for Veterans Day in 2012, this is the text of the program I gave.

Before I begin I place this Flag here at rest. This Flag has seen good service. It has been flown with pride, It has weathered storms and drought, it has stood the lonely watch at night, it has been lowered to half mast in honor of Fallen hero’s and in mourning for lives that were too soon lost. It has served our country, as have many thousands like it. Like thousands who have come before it. And now I lay it here at rest.

This particular flag has been in my charge and keeping since first it was raised upon the staff. I would not then leave it unguarded now.

Sister Patriotism. (She comes forward) To your station belong lessons of national pride, of service to country, and of sacrifice in the name of Freedom. Will you stand this watch? (Answers and takes position)

Sister Hope. (Comes forward) Hope is the belief that tomorrow will be better than today. Hope is that which keeps each of us upon our feet when we know that we should fall down in anguish and defeat; it is a bastion of untold strength and it is the beginning of the end of doubt. Will you stand this watch? (Answers and takes position)

Sister Faith: (comes forward) Faith is our light and guide. It is what allows us to see truth in our darkest hour; it is the fire that keeps us warm even in the coldest deepest night of despair. Will you stand this watch?  (Answers and takes position)

Very well I charge you then to guard this flag until those shall appear before us who are appointed to receive it and retire it with due and ancient respect and honor. You may be seated.

Brothers and Sisters, honored guest, and most especially members of Arlington Rainbow Assembly. It is my honor tonight to present this Veterans Day program.

I have the Privilege of being a Veteran, who is the child, nephew, grandchild, brother,  and even great-grandchild of Veterans. I am honored to say that one day I will be the Father of a Veteran as my Son now serves in the US Navy.

It is easy to understand why this day is so important to me, but I am here today to help this assembly show honor and respect to those who have served.

(Ask all veterans to raise their hands)
(Ask family of veterans to raise their hands)

(Ask friends of veterans to raise their hands.)

It has been said that a veteran is someone who has written a blank check to their country for anything and everything up to and including the cost of their life. This is true of any soldier. However I tell you now there is more to every Veteran.

I would like to share a piece written by a man that though he was not a Mason he was accorded the privilege of being an honorary Shiner. Mr. Johnny Cash

The Ragged Old Flag
by Johnny Cash

I walked through a county courthouse square
On a park bench, an old man was sittin' there.
I said, "Your old court house is kinda run down,
He said, "Naw, it'll do for our little town".
I said, "Your old flag pole is leaned a little bit,
And that's a ragged old flag you got hangin' on it".
He said, "Have a seat", and I sat down,
"Is this the first time you've been to our little town"
I said, "I think it is"
He said "I don't like to brag, but we're kinda proud of
That Ragged Old Flag

"You see, we got a little hole in that flag there,
When Washington took it across the Delaware.
and It got powder burned the night Francis Scott Key sat watching it,
writing "Say Can You See"
It got a rip in New Orleans, with Packingham & Jackson
tugging at its seams.
and It almost fell at the Alamo
beside the Texas flag,
But she waved on though.
She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville,
And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill.
There was Robert E. Lee and Beauregard and Bragg,
And the south wind blew hard on
That Ragged Old Flag

"On Flanders Field in World War I,
She got a big hole from a Bertha Gun,
She turned blood red in World War II
She hung limp, and low, a time or two,
She was in Korea, Vietnam, She went where she was sent
by her Uncle Sam.
She waved from our ships upon the briny foam
and now they've about quit wavin' back here at home
in her own good land here She's been abused,
She's been burned, dishonored, denied an' refused,
And the government for which she stands
Has been scandalized throughout out the land.
And she's getting thread bare, and she's wearin' thin,
But she's in good shape, for the shape she's in.
Cause she's been through the fire before
and I believe she can take a whole lot more.

"So we raise her up every morning
And we bring her down slow every night,
We don't let her touch the ground,
And we fold her up right.
On second thought
I *do* like to brag
Cause I'm mighty proud of
That Ragged Old Flag"

When I chose tonight, to bring this flag and set an honor guard, it was not hap-hazard. 

This flag I mean to represent every man and woman who has taken the oath to give their life for mine, for yours, for our countries. They have stood with Pride in Rank and file. They have weathered the storms of war and public opinion. They have stood the lonely watch at night that we may sleep in peace. They have fallen to their knees in sorrow for the loss of friends and fellow soldiers, and for the loss of innocent lives. We who are Veterans have done this as many thousands like us and like all of those who came before us, And like them one day we will rest. 

I chose Sister Faith to guard this flag. It is by faith in God, faith in freedom, faith in our fellow man that we choose to stand upon a line and say to those who would take these treasures “you shall not pass.”

I chose Sister Hope to guard this flag. It is by Hope we hold a vision of a better tomorrow, it is the hope for our children, and the hope that our service may help our fellow man that we draw that line into the sand. 

I chose Sister Patriotism, she who, some in our country now seem to forget and at times even shun. Patriotism is that deep down pride in who we are, that demands we look unto our leaders and question them. It is this duty to our nation that we should embrace and hold unto our hearts that demands we do not sit by and let someone do for us. It is Patriotism that commands this Honor Guard though she cannot stand without the strength of Hope and Faith. It is to her we look to guard our future.

If you would all please rise (gavel)

Person appointed to receive the flag enters

Brother ________ if you would lead us in prayer for our veterans.

Patriotism hands over the flag

A Promise Made

A boy and his dad went down the street
To watch and to wave at the grand Parade.
The flags were unfurled the uniforms neat
There, all the colors and glories displayed

The boy asked his dad, “Why do they do that?
Why march all in lines and dress all the same?
And why do they count as they take every step
Why are they here ‘stead of watching the game?” 

The man looked at his son with a light in his eye,
Then looked up at the passing Parade
He said in a slow voice meant just for his boy
“’Cause it’s part of the promise they made”

The boy watched some more, the horses clomped by
He saw the caisson was draped with a flag
He saw “P O W” and then “M I A”
He caught his breath at the black and white flag

“Dad, did they know that could happen to them?
Did.., did they know that they might not come back?
Did they know this was the price they might pay?
Did they all know when they loaded their pack?

The man looked at his son with a light in his eye,
Then looked up at the passing Parade
He said in a slow voice meant just for his boy
“Yes, it was part of the promise they made”

The boy then was quiet lost in his thought
As the procession went by where they stood.
He asked “you have to leave again don’t you?”
Then his dad nodded and he understood

That night as his dad checked over his pack
He said “Please dad, I don’t want you to go”
his dad spoke so softly “I love you, Zack.
But our freedoms aren’t free don’t you know.

For you then I go to stand on a line.
Son, your future is not one I would trade
For you I’d give all, that you may live on
’Cause it is part of the promise I made”

Rebuilding

Many many years ago I fell apart, I hadn't paid much attention to how the pieces fit together so I was quite lost and confused looking at the assorted parts of myself.

I found a piece here that... sort of fit with this piece over there. I tried several different types of glue. sometimes Friendship made things stick but I wanted a better way to build. I thought I could find a faster way to raise a fortress.  Other times I needed space and time so I built a stoney keep as my retreat. I found that sometimes anger was the only thing that would make a piece fit back in, but the pounding often knocked other pieces back off. Some times grief and longing were the only way I could hold on to a few of those more precious pieces. Passion was hot enough to weld a few joints but it melted off a few pieces here and there as well. Pride was like a hardened frost by which I held some to me not willing to let go.

Eventually I built myself into a tower where I could see who was coming and defend myself at need. I congratulated myself on this great tower and surveyed what I had built.

As I looked around I started to realize not all the pieces around me were even mine.

I was sad to see that some of those that had been broken through my anger or scorched by my passions were not mine at all but rather pieces of others who had chanced to cross my path. I had no right to force them to my design nor to hurt them in my heat. The chill of my pride made those who wished to know me walk away,my grasping hold of things long past made me resent those who had not shared those moments with me. In my dark and very safe keep I was alone.

I had wasted my time and my tools. I had taken from myself everything I had before that broken time of growing up. I had yet a single tool and a simple choice at hand.

I started by choosing to use the tool and recognizing that it was a hammer. The gavel in hand I chose to rework the stone I had wrought in the error of my youth. As I learned to work and build anew. I found I needed other tools.

A rule to measure myself, this was hard to find but in the end I found a Master had one and he lent it to me. With my gavel and rule I set about my house and found that it was not in order.

The Master then showed me how to use a plumb. that I might see what was upright and what was crooked. Many of the pillars of my life had to be addressed, some torn down and built anew. The square he gave me and taught me how to try it every day that My building might be true. Last of all he showed me the level. and showed me that from east to west, from birth to death we all must keep upon our plane.

As I tore down what had not been plum or true an tried to start over the master set a trowel with in my hand.  He shook his head and kicked over my sorry dry stack cowans work, then showed me how the mortar sealed the wall and set the bond.

He set the compasses in the sand and circumscribed a point. He showed me how I learned to live. He showed me how to prove the square. he showed me all the arc of time where I should rise and I should fail.

The Master will teach when we are ready to learn. he will give us the tools to build a house that is a welcome home and not a defensive tower. The Master teaches us our limits and how to draw that line around ourselves that for faith

we will not cross.

Want, Will, Need

Want. Will. Need. These are powerful words, words that define our existence in many ways.

Need. There are many things in life upon this earth we need. We need food, water, shelter, clothing. These reflect our physical needs. Companionship, order, law, as social creatures these are communal needs.

Want. The word itself explains it's purpose. We want things. We want a nicer shelter, better tasting food, warmer clothing. These are reasonable wants. As want in our Physical life we want social live as well. We want esteem, We want for interaction. We want for frivolous things as well. The latest game, a faster internet connection, a new toy.

Will. Will is the deal breaker. Will is the point at which we choose. What "will" we do to provide our needs, what "will" we do to provide our wants. "Will" is the word that defines our moral code. Will is the word that defines the choices we make every day.

These are the questions of how we live our life:

"What do you need to do?"
"What do you want to do?"
"What are you willing to do?"

OES Lodge honor program

Last night our OES chapter had a meal and presented a program to honor the Masons and the Lodge before the Lodge Stated meeting. this is the script of the program:

Worthy Matron:

(Enters and stands at the west side of the Altar facing east)

As Worth Matron of Arlington Chapter 249, Order of the Eastern Star, I am pleased to come here to bring greetings and words of friendship and love to Arlington Masonic Lodge 438.  As an Order founded by Masons for their female relations to be able to join them in the spirit of Masonic truth and fraternal relief, we would not exist if the lodge did not. This evening we hope that we might, guided by the Star in the east, show you our appreciation and affection.

Worshipful Master, May I approach the East?

(The Master gives consent and WM goes to the East and ascends the stairs.)

Worshipful Master and Masons all, this evening we bring a gift but it is yet in many parts. It may only be assembled at the Holy Altar for there is where its parts began.

Adah:

(Enters and stands on the west side of the Altar facing east)

I am Adah, The Daughter of Jephthah. My Story is one of fidelity.  A word given is a word received, whether it be given by our self or by those to whom we owe obedience unto.  Without Fidelity; oaths, promises, even nations would all would perish.

 (Adah places a blue flower on the altar at the top right of the bible then steps back to the west)

Ruth:

(Enters and stands on the west side of the Altar facing east)

I am Ruth, the widow of Naomi’s son.  My Story is One of Constancy.  Without a dedication of purpose the toils of our lives will come to little.  We must maintain our commitment to God, ourselves, and our fellow man if we are to make a difference in this world.

(Ruth places a yellow flower on the altar where at the bottom right side of the bible then walks stands beside Adah)

Esther:

(Enters and stands on the west side of the Altar facing east)

I am Esther, the wife of a King. My story is one of Loyalty.  Without a pure and loyal spirit, our ideals and good will should fall by the wayside. We must ever be mind full of who we are and what we are a part of if we should allow ourselves to help others beyond the thought of personal gain.

 (Esther places a white flower on the altar at the bottom of the bible then walks to and stands in a line with Adah and Ruth)

Martha:

(Enters and stands on the west side of the Altar facing east)

I am Martha, the sister of Lazarus. My Story is one of Trustful Faith.  Without faith in God, our prayers are but dust in our mouths. Without faith in ourselves we may never know how much we can accomplish. Without faith in our fellow man, we can know nothing but envy and spite.

 (Martha places a green flower on the altar at the bottom left of the bible then walks to and stands in a line with Adah Esther and Ruth)

Electa:

(Enters and stands on the west side of the Altar facing east)

I am Electa, A mother to my children. My story is one of Love. Through service to others, to our family, and to God, we show Love. Love of our nation, our fellow man, and our Creator.  Through our order we have a way to express that love. 

 (Electa places a red flower on the altar at the top left of the bible then walks to and stands in a line with Adah Ruth Martha  and Esther)

Worthy Patron:

(Enters and stands on the west side of the Altar facing east, lay a ribbon  across the Bible)

The Sisters of the Order of the Eastern Star are one and all family and relations of Masons.

(Picks up the Blue Flower)

Some of them are Daughters of Masons. They have chosen to join the order and are faithful and obedient to its teachings.

(places the blue flower on the bible and picks up the yellow flower)

Some are Widows of Masons, ever constant to their love and to the Masonic orders.

(places the yellow flower on the bible and picks up the white flower)

Some are Wives of Masons, Loyal partners in life and labor; they are the queens of their husband’s hearts.

(places the white flower on the bible and picks up the green flower)

Some are the Sisters of Masons, Faithfull to God they stand beside their brothers in service.

(places the green flower on the bible and picks up the red flower)

Some are the Mothers of Masons. Their love and tender grace is a strength we should all remember.

(places the red flower on the bible and then Kneeling at the altar so he can easily reach begins to tie the ribbons around the stems in a bow)

The Masons who are members of the Order of the Eastern Star each acknowledges these precious ties and share with them in binding ourselves to a Solemn Obligation. Every member of our order strives to embody the spirit of the lessons taught us that our Order may stand side by side with the Masonic lodge in friendship and affection while sharing in the responsibility of fraternal relief.

(stands and Picks up the bound Bouquet)

Worshipful Master may I approach the east.

(On consent the WP approaches the east walks up the stairs and hands the bouquet to the WM)

Worthy Matron:

Each of these flowers on its own has a special meaning, yet until we bind all five of them together we cannot behold the beauty of whole. Worshipful Master as Worth Matron and on behalf of Arlington Chapter 249, I present these to you as a symbolic gift showing our Fidelity, Constancy, Loyalty, Faith, and of course our Love for Arlington Lodge 438

(After the Master gives any response the WM and WP bow to the Star points, the points bow in return, the WP escorts the WM out of the lodge room and the star points file out after.)

Building

I spent a humbling weekend in the pursuit of Operative Masonry. I don't think we speculative Masons always appreciate the idea of a "bearer of burdens", let alone the craftsmanship it takes to build even a small and modest structure.

In this project I am the master deciding what goes where and when the Craftsman overseeing the work and the apprentice hauling the stone. .

My hands have bled, my muscles scream "how dare you?!"

My spirit though found peace in labor, my mind a challenge in the yet uncompleted project. My body will heal and be stronger for the labor.

I am proud of the work I have done and when this patio is finished, a mere 220 sq feet, I will drink a toast to those who spent _7 years_ upon the temple. My weekends labor tells me I know little of their dedication and purpose in constructing the house of the covenant.

Program for the grand Assosciate Matron and patron

Worthy Matron:

My Sister and Brother, I have no doubt you have carefully examined the journey you have embarked upon.  As the fabric of our lives is woven of many threads and those threads are brought together from many fibers. Those Fibers are produced by many labors.  So then are the lessons we would remind you of this evening.

Sisters Conductress and Associate Conductress, You will present this Sister and Brother to the First Point of the Star.

Adah:

I am Adah, The Daughter of Jephthah. My Story is one of fidelity.  A word given is a word received, whether it be given by our self or by those to whom we owe obedience unto.  Without Fidelity; oaths, promises, even nations would all would perish.

My Sister and Brother, a great duty is about to be placed upon your shoulders. As we know you shall bear obedience and fidelity to that sacred trust, know that we give you our word that we shall be there when you call and when you have need.

(Adah gives them each a Blue token)

Sisters Conductress and associate conductress you will escort this Sister and this Brother to the second Point of the Star. 

Ruth:

I am Ruth, the widow of Naomi’s son.  My Story is One of Constancy.  Without a dedication of purpose the toils of our lives will come to little.  We must maintain our commitment to God, ourselves, and our fellow man if we are to make a difference in this world.

My Sister and Brother, you have committed yourself to a hard and rocky path.  While we know you made this choice and will stay constant to its purpose, remember that we walk with you.  Should you stumble we will be there with hand out stretched to help you on this way.

(Ruth gives them each a Yellow token)

Sisters Conductress and associate conductress you will escort this Sister and this Brother to the third Point of the Star. 

Esther:

I am Esther, the wife of a King. My story is one of Loyalty.  Without a pure and loyal spirit, our ideals and good will should fall by the wayside. We must ever be mind full of who we are and what we are a part of if we should allow ourselves to help others beyond the thought of personal gain.

My Sister and Brother, we have no doubt that you shall show the upmost loyalty to our order even as you rise to greater station with in it.  Remember then the purity of purpose and loyalty of each and every member here. Lead and we shall follow.

(Esther gives them each a White token)

Sisters Conductress and associate conductress you will escort this Sister and this Brother to the fourth Point of the Star. 

Martha:

I am Martha, the sister of Lazarus, My Story is one of Trustful Faith.  Without faith in God, our prayers are but dust in our mouths. Without faith in ourselves we may never know how much we can accomplish. Without faith in our fellow man, we can know nothing but envy and spite.

My Sister and Brother, without Faith you would not be here today. Hold fast to your faith in God, yourselves, and this Order. Let it be a daily touch stone in your lives.  Remember always that we, your sisters and brothers also have faith in you.

(Martha gives them each a Green token)

Sisters Conductress and associate conductress you will escort this Sister and this Brother to the fifth Point of the Star. 

Electa:

I am Electa, A mother. My story is one of Love. Through service to others, to our family, to God, we show Love. Love of our nation, our fellow man, our Creator.  Through our order we have a way to express that love. 

My Sister and Brother, your love for our order has shown in each of your lives and will continue to be a beacon for others.  In the darkest hours when that light of love seems dim, look to us and you will see our love for each of you.

(Electa gives them each a Red token)

Sisters Conductress and associate conductress you will escort this Sister and this Brother to the Associate Matron and Associate Patron

Associate Matron:

My Sister and Brother, Here in the West may be found the warmth of the sun at the end of a day of service and labor; by its light streaming across the sky we see Gods love and beauty. By the light of the sun we see the rainbow, Gods promise to us all.

Associate Patron:

At the close of the day upon the horizon we also see the first dim star. As it grows brighter with the passage into night we find Polaris. Long a marker for those who travel the land and seas it is by this guide we may set a course even though the day is done.

My Sister and Brother, It is to you we look for warmth and guidance.  You are our beacon of beauty and our Guiding Star.  Remember though, that as we look to you, so also we support you.  We will give you a shoulder to lean upon or quiet, honest counsel should you ever have the need.

Associate Matron:

Sisters Conductress and Associate Conductress you will cause this Sister and Brother to face the East

Worthy Patron:

As we all look to the East we look also to the hope of a coming day. Not one day beyond this is guaranteed to us, let us always remember to face a new day with honor using the tools given us by God We should Square our lives and keep our actions within good Compass.

Worthy Matron:

With the first rays of the rising sun we are reminded of Gods Power and of his Glory. We remember that no matter what earthly authority is granted our obedience is first to the Creator of all Things.  Though we may, for a time stand in a position of power and judgment, one day we shall each be judged.

When we wield such authority we must each remember to temper our hearts and minds.  We should each remember the lessons taught to us within the Labyrinth, those lessons of Fidelity, Constancy, Loyalty, Faith, and Love.  Let us always remember these truths and the Golden Links that bind us as Sisters and Brothers shall never be broken.

Your journey is far from done; indeed this is but a portion of the path you now set your foot upon.  The cloth is woven and the pattern is set, but as you stitch each piece together with service and with love; remember the pride we have in each of you. Let the world at large see how wonderful the mantel of our order is to behold.

Sisters Conductress and Associate Conductress, You will escort our Worthy Grand Associate matron and our Worthy Grand Associate Patron to the East.

OES Obligation Program

Obligation program Order of the Easter Star

WM invites the WP to preside

Sisters and brothers the time has come for us to reaffirm our Obligation. Before we proceed I would like to invite you to take a deeper look at this oath that each of us here has taken upon ourselves.

The word Obligate is derived from the Latin terms “Ob” and “Liga” Ob meaning “to” Liga meaning binding. To obligate is to bind by oath or promise. It is this binding oath that makes us a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. In our initiation we were addressed by name or as “the candidate” until we had completed that obligation and were pronounced to be a sister or brother by the Worthy Patron and told us that we all share in this Obligation together.

We have each here bound ourselves together as sisters and brothers. But we have not simply made a promise between ourselves. There clasped within our hands is a guiding light. John 1:1 proclaims “In the beginning there was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” by this passage we may find that when we knelt at the altar and held that book of sacred law, we there embraced an earthly form of God that was given to us to guide our paths in all our faith and practice.

By this action, we willingly bound ourselves before the great creator of all things; who knows our hearts and minds. We took this Obligation in the presence of the Eternal Judge, who we can hide no transgression from. 

Sisters and Brothers Let us meet upon the chapter floor and Join Hands (gavel up the chapter)

(Warder drops the house lights.)

We now behold our Sacred Labyrinth, bathed in the colors of our order. Each Ray reminding us of the lessons we have here learned and there in the center like a brilliant beacon lays the Holy bible to guide our faith and steps. Let us each pause and remember the first time we saw this wondrous scene.

Sisters and Brothers you will repeat the Obligation after me.

<the obligation>

We have each heard this obligation as given by the members of this chapter and we all share in it one with another.

I gave this program for Arlington Chapter 249 Grand Chapter of Texas in June 2014. It was directly inspired by the Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of Texas from his discussion of the Master Masons Obligation during the Grand Master Conferences.