The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (also known as “The Tomb of the Unknowns”) is a memorial that honors those who have given their lives in service as a part of our country’s Armed Forces, but whose identity cannot be verified. Located in Arlington National Cemetery, most visitors to this must-see monument say that the most memorable part of their visit is the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb.
In July 2010 a member of Dover Lodge was present at the Tomb, and filmed both the Changing of the Guard and the Wreath Ceremony that take place every day of every year. Here is that footage, brought to you for educational purposes by Dover Lodge.
Friends and Brethren of Dover Lodge, please join us for an interior work day at the Lodge. We will be cleaning and painting the upper lobby and prep room, as well as other side tasks to help beautify Dover Lodge and prepare it for the resuming of Masonic work. We would be grateful for any who would lend a hand! Join us on August 7 2010 at 10am.
Here’s a glimpse of Dover Lodge marching at the 2010 Westlake 4th of July Parade. A more complete video is in the making with the sights and sounds of the day, but for those who couldn’t make it out to join us here’s a brief look at your Brethren on that hot and sunny day!
Brothers of Dover Lodge, we have a once-in-a-year opportunity! As you most likely recall from our last meeting, Dover Lodge has been accepted as part of the City of Westlake’s 4th of July parade and the Grand Lodge has given us dispensation to walk and display our regalia. This is a tremendous opportunity for visibility in the community – won’t you join us? Officers will be in their tuxedos, aprons and jewels and we will be handing out candy and American flags to the crowd. For those who cannot walk the route, we will also have a Jeep in the parade with the top and doors removed for maximum sunshine! Come walk or ride with us, and let’s show the Westlake community at-large how Dover Lodge and Freemasonry are thriving.
The parade begins on Sunday July 4th at 1:00pm. Planning to be a part of it? Here are the logistics:
Parade Riders – meet in the parking lot of Westlake High School at 12:00 noon – silver jeep with American and Masonic flags flying.
Officers – please be in tuxedos. We will bring the aprons and jewels.
Non-officer Brethren – please dress in suits or jackets/ties if possible. White aprons or your own aprons worn.
Hope to see you there!!!
FAQs:
Can I wear my Past Master’s Apron?
Not only have we been given dispensation to wear our full regalia, we would be honored if our Past Masters would wear the apron they so richly deserve. Please do! more…
Brethren, Dover Lodge will be holding an educational session for Master Masons on Thursday July 1st at 7pm. Master Masons from any Lodge are welcome to attend with credentials. Dinner will be provided (pizza and wings), but we ask you to please RSVP on our contact page (here) or on our Facebook page. Come with questions or answers, but be ready to be challenged!
Friends and Brethren of Dover Lodge, just a quick reminder that tomorrow (June 19, 2010) is our second annual work day! Work will begin at 9:00am, but breakfast will be served up until then. We will also enjoy some lunch at the end of the day courtesy of our grille chefs (a.k.a. Stewards). Please come out and join us!
We’ve been asked what to bring – here are some of the things we’ll need:
Congratulations to Brother Mark Puwal on receiving the Master Mason’s Degree last night at Dover Lodge! We are indeed pleased with Brother Puwal’s progress, and are thrilled to see him make his advancement. Well done Brother!
We would also like to thank the many visitors from other Lodges who were so gracious to join us last night at Dover Lodge. Brethren, let us know if we can ever return the favor!
A bit of free verse from our Brother Junior Steward. I’m certain that the Brethren of Dover Lodge know of what Brother Reulbach speaks…
As I stand here in the kitchen, I look out into the gathering room and see a very interesting sight … there is a great cross-section of men of different faiths, beliefs, colors, background and ages all sitting together around some tables. They are laughing, joking, talking about flying planes, their wives, girlfriends, children, parents, vacations, and weddings, basically anything.
I have been a part of this for less than a year.
I came not knowing what to expect, except that a person I asked if I might visit for a meeting was a very nice and kind gentleman to whom I had only spoken a few times by phone and met only once in person. I like him immediately.
I attended a few gatherings after their meetings and met some interesting people. I asked for a petition and was given the same. I guess they don’t ask you…
Some “guys” showed up at my house and visited with my wife and myself for a little while. We had some food, some coffee and some conversation. They went on their way.
I attended a few more gatherings, and after one of their meetings was congratulated and asked to show up earlier in a couple of weeks.
I showed up … Who are these guys, and what did I get myself into?
Well, after that fateful night and a couple more, I can tell you who these guys are and what I got myself into…
I stand here in the kitchen and look out into the gathering room and see a very interesting sight … I see my friends and my Brothers. Men I can count on for anything. Men whose families I would help without hesitation. Men whose widows and orphans will always be cared for. I see my family.
Well said, Brother Reulbach – the feeling is mutual.
Note: Portions of Brother Reulbach’s work were purposely omitted that relate to Masonic ceremony.
Brethren, Dover Lodge has the honor to pay final respects to Brother Jack Atsberger, a 65-year member of Dover Lodge who passed to the Celestial Lodge above in February of this year. Brother Atsberger will have a Masonic Funeral Service on Friday July 9th, 2010 at 3:00pm at Lakewood Park Cemetery.
It is always a great sadness to those of us left to this mortal existence as we bid farewell to our Brethren. But we say with knowledge which passes all understanding that it is only a temporary farewell. Keep your apron straight and your corners square Brother Atsberger – we will meet again.
Solemn strikes the funeral chime, Notes of our departing time; As we journey here below. Through a pilgrimage of woe!
Mortals, now indulge a tear, For mortality is here! See how wide her trophies wave O’er the slumbers of the grave!
Here another guest we bring, Seraphs of celestial wing, To our funeral altar come, Waft this friend and brother home.
Lord of all! Below – above - Fill our hearts with truth and love; When dissolves our earthly tie, Take us to Thy Lodge on high.
Brethren, please join us on Thursday June 17th as we confer the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on a very deserving Brother of Dover Lodge! We will begin promptly at 7:30pm, followed by refreshment in celebration of our newest Master Mason. It is so important that all of our Brethren join us on this most important day. Please plan to be here to welcome the newest Master Mason in Dover Lodge!
