The vacant chair . . .
The November ‘Remembrance’ meeting of the Lodge of Seafarers commemorated the centenary of the end of WWI by substituting their normal ‘Naval History’ spot with a reading by W/Bro Tony Latter on the subject of ‘The Vacant Chair’.
“Freemasonry is itself intrinsically linked to the Great War, not only through the millions who served during the conflict but those who before or after the war, became Freemasons. After the war, many thousands joined lodges to share and remember the camaraderie of service life; to honour and remember their fallen comrades and to commemorate their great sacrifice.
“We remember at this time each year, in particular, the war that was supposed to end all wars, ending one hundred years ago in November 1918. So long ago, but not forgotten! We owe that generation a debt of gratitude we can never repay, for they gave their all so that we might live in peace and freedom. Let us never forget their sacrifice, let us remember and revere them and work together in the cause of peace and harmony both as men and as Masons. When we are long gone and forgotten, their names shall live forevermore.”
There followed a minute’s silence, concluding with the last post. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
