Making Good Men, Better Men Since Time Immemorial
Making Good Men, Better Men Since Time Immemorial

All posts by: Ross Jackson

Military Birthdays

My Brothers, as Washington, D.C. recognizes the 250th birthday of the US Army and sets the stage for the anniversaries of all our branches, ( US Army June 14 1775, US Navy Oct. 13 1775, USMC Nov. 10 1775, USCG Aug. 4 1790, US Merchant Marines May 22 1793 US Air Force Sept. 18 1947, US Space Force Dec. 20 2019 and the oldest, the US National Guard  Dec. 10 1636) Let us all raise a resounding cheer for all those Heroes who have set side their lives and put on the uniform of this nation.  For well over 250 years American farmers, factory workers, professionals, businessmen, and women, rich or poor and all races and religions alike have answered America’s call. Our Nation is different; our military fights not for a king or some other kind of ruler but for our people and to defend the God given Rights enshrined in our Constitution: the right of every man to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Our Sons and Daughters have also answered the call for help in defeating evil around the globe. Our Flag is the symbol of Hope and a shining light of Liberty in every corner of the Earth. Our Military is the embodiment of all that is Great in our Nation.  When our allies see us, they know the cavalry has arrived. When our enemies look out as the Nazis did and as far as the eye can see on the land, sea and in the air the unmatched might of the United States knowing that it is coming for them the fear is unimaginable. Our Military has a history that is unmatched because there is nothing like the men and women who serve. They are America’s Finest. Whichever Branch or Branches you served in is better for having you. Thank you for your service and sacrifice Happy Birthday and God Bless.

Veterans Committee 2nd Quarter Update

Brothers

Just taking a moment to give you a 2nd qtr update.

Everyone did great on the drive for the monument, you exceeded the goal of raising the funds to cover the stone. For the first time the Veteran’s committee has a surplus of funds available.  We are finalizing the details for the monument at the cemetery and as soon as we get a date for a dedication, we will post it so anyone who wants to attend will be able to. Memorial Day is coming up. There are many observances statewide, check with your local cemeteries and municipalities for the ones closest to you.

We would love to hear from any of you who have ideas for Veteran related projects.

This qtr. in History:

Mission Accomplished “Desert Storm”

Battle of Coral Sea “WWII”                                          

Germany Signs Unconditional Surrender VE Day “WWII”

US Navy launches its first ships 1797

Battle of Hamburger Hill “Vietnam”

Battle of Gettysburg “Civil War”

USCG and US Army Formed

Operation Overlord D-Day “WWII”

Operation Red Wings “Global War On Terror”

Armistice Day “Korean War”

On a personal note, June 5th 2007 Alive day IP Station Tikrit Iraq for my Brother Hubble Hanline, a day I will never forget.  “GWOT”

Memorial Day Message from the Veterans Committee

Brothers,

On behalf of the Veterans Committee, we want to remind everyone that Memorial Day is approaching fast. We hope you and your families have a safe and exciting holiday. While you are enjoying your time off between the beach and the BBQ please take a moment to reflect on why we have the day off. This day is set aside where we can collectively as a nation give thanks and remember that there are families all over our country who have had someone they love to make the Supreme Sacrifice in defense of our Freedoms. There is not a day that goes by they don’t miss them and would give anything to be able to spend that one more day with them. How many of our friends will not be sharing the BBQ with us or riding in the boat? How many children and grandchildren were never held by a beaming papa? How many kids walked graduation stages and were not able to see that proud parent’s face? How many mothers and fathers had to do the hardest thing imaginable and bury their child? This day should be a day of celebrating and remembering; it is a very solemn day, but it is also a day we say thank you. Live this day to its fullest just like our fallen Brothers and Sisters would. Enjoy your families and have fun, eat too much BBQ, take a nap by the water and take the kids just one more time down the water slide and when you do think of our Heroes who made this day possible.   Have a wonderful Memorial Day! God Bless our Veterans and God Bless America.

Passing of Brother James M. Eidson, Sr., PGM

It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of Most Worshipful Brother James M. Eidson, Sr., Past Grand Master of Masons in Alabama. Most Worshipful Brother Eidson passed away peacefully at his home yesterday, February 16, 2025. Most Worshipful Brother Eidson served as Grand Master in 1974-1975. Most Worshipful Brother Eidson was our most senior Past Grand Master and this Masonic year, Most Worshipful Brother Eidson celebrated 50 years as a Past Grand Master. Per Most Worshipful Brother Eidson’s last requests, there will be no service of any kind. Please keep the entire Eidson family in your prayers.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
Zachary Holmes, Grand Secretary

Thank You

When the Lord needed a warrior to defeat evil, He said whom shall we send? Christ said here am I send me. Since then, warriors have spent Christmas apart from their families on the frontline around the world defending Freedom and protecting Peace on Earth. At this time we want to send a special Thank You to all our Veterans and Prayers that the Lord would watch over and protect all our men and women in uniform around the world let them feel our Love and give them Peace.

Christmas Hours

The Grand Lodge office will be closed from December 23rd, 2024 through January 3rd, 2025. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, January 6th, 2025. The Grand Lodge office staff wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas, and a blessed and prosperous New Year.

R:.W:. Zachary Allen Holmes

Grand Secretary/Executive Director

Grand Lodge of Alabama, F&AM

P O Box 1070

Millbrook, AL 36054

334-290-0961

gsecal@glofal.com  

www.glofal.com

Arrangements for MWPGM Charter Lee Nicholson, Sr.

Most Worshipful Sirs, Right Worshipful Sirs, Worshipful Grand Lodge officers and Brethren All:

It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of Most Worshipful Charter Lee Nicholson, Sr., Grand Master of Masons in Alabama 1982-83.

Arrangements for MWPGM Nicholson are as follows:

Most Worshipful Grand Master Rusty Beck will open the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Alabama at 10am Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at Nunn-Oden #398, 126 Sparkman St. SW, Hartselle, AL  35640. 

Visitation will be Tuesday, 26 September 2023 from 11 a.m. – 1p.m at Peck Funeral Home, 1600 Hwy 31 SW, Hartselle, AL 35640, (256) 773-2541.

There will no service at the funeral home. 

Masonic graveside rites will be performed at 1:30 p.m. at Forest Chapel UMC Cemetery, 250 Forest Chapel Rd, Hartselle, AL 35640, (256) 773-2730.

https://www.peckfuneralhome.com/obituary/Charter-NicholsonSr

All present sitting Grand Lodge officers are strongly encouraged to attend if possible. Please dress accordingly and remember to bring your apron, jewel, and gloves. 

S&F,

Zachary Allen Holmes 

Grand Secretary/Executive Director 

Grand Lodge of Alabama, F&AM