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| A Call to Service. by Travis Simpkins |
A Call to Service
by Travis Simpkins
Earlier this year, the Grand Lodge of
New Jersey hired me to create some artwork for their dedication
ceremony of the U.S. Coast Guard Enlisted Memorial. Along with the
commission came an invitation to join the Grand Master and other
Grand Lodge officers on a special tour of the U.S. Coast Guard
Training Center base in Cape May, New Jersey. I have never served in
the military, so the opportunity to learn and experience something
new enticed me to make the trip down from Massachusetts and show up
at the base on that cold April morning. We boarded and explored some
of the boats, saw recruits training and visited the barracks before
being directed towards a parcel of land that would eventually be
developed for the Memorial.
After the tour, the Grand Lodge
officers and officials from the Coast Guard base convened to the
nearby Cape Island Lodge No. 30 where a small crowd had gathered for
the cornerstone ceremony. Before the event began, the Grand Master
pulled me aside to ask if he could call me to get up and speak to
everyone. I had half-expected to be called upon going in, but I still
didn't have any remarks prepared when the time arrived. In searching
of what to say, I found myself looking towards the men in military
uniforms seated around the room. I thanked them for their service. I
then explained that not only had I not served, but that prior to
becoming a Mason, I had known very few people in my immediate circles
that were members of the armed forces. After joining the Craft, it
seems that 3 out of every 5 Masons I meet have some kind of military
background. I now count some of those men among my closest friends
and kindred spirits. I wondered out loud about the common thread that
draws us all to join Freemasonry. On the military end, there is
certainly an ordered structure, patriotism and an instilled sense of
“Brotherhood” that carries over within the Craft. But beyond
that, a more universal element seems to be that Freemasonry attracts
those who desire self-improvement by being part of something bigger
than themselves. We, as Masons, all answer a call to service.
Afterwards, I was relieved when several Brothers approached me to say
that they appreciated the sentiments.
I don't have a graceful end to this
anecdote. I just thought of it on the occasion of Veteran's Day, when
I saw that many friends were sharing photos of themselves and loved
ones in uniform. If you're in the vicinity of Cape May on the
southern coast of New Jersey, construction of the U.S. Coast Guard
Enlisted Memorial has been ongoing and should be nearing completion.
If you're a veteran who also happens to be a member of the Scottish
Rite NMJ, I'd encourage you to contact your Valley and let them know.
Recently, the Sovereign Grand Commander established the “Sammy Lee
Davis Peace & Freedom Award” which is to be presented to all
Scottish Rite veterans with an honorable discharge.
-TS
