After many weeks of planning by Jeremy Roberts, an Assistant Provincial Grand Master in Staffordshire, ably assisted by the Delivery Team of Ralph Ritchey and Reg Sargeant BEM, on Saturday 2nd November, the Inaugural National Freemasons Service of Remembrance took place at the National Memorial Arboretum.
The Arboretum already has a wonderful memorial to Freemasons who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving their Country. This memorial was the brainchild of Edward (Eddie) Ford OSM, who spent years planning and managing the work. The first sod for the memorial was cut in 2001, and the site was dedicated by the then Assistant Grand Master David K. Williamson. Over the next few years, it was difficult to raise the money for the memorial. Still, Eddie was undaunted and persevered until the memorial in all its splendour was completed in 2016 and rededicated by the then Pro Grand Master, Peter G. Lowndes, in 2017. Eddie was awarded the Order of Service to Freemasonry (OSM) for his work on this wonderful memorial.
Staffordshire Freemasons and their families and friends have had a service every year since the re-dedication of this memorial. However, this was the first time Freemasons from outside Staffordshire, along with members of the Armed Forces and veterans, were in attendance.
The guests of honour were Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Brigadier Barry Arthur Charles Smith CBE TD DL, Assistant Grand Master Steven Varley and the Provincial Grand Master of Staffordshire, John Lockley. Past Provincial Grand Master for Staffordshire Colonel Thomas D.C. Lloyd OBE TD DL also took part in the service, which was led by the Provincial Grand Chaplain, The Rev. Edward J. Haycock.
Other notable attendees included Mrs Berni Wilkins from the Royal British Legion, The Mayor Frank James of Stafford Borough Council, many very senior officers from the Armed Forces and senior Freemasons from eight other Provinces, and senior members of the Royal Arch and Mark Master Masons were also present.
From 10 am, the Pointon’s Royal British Legion band played as around 300 Freemasons, Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and family and friends gathered. At 10:30 am, the procession of banners signalled the start of the service, which commenced with The Exhortation read by Past Provincial Grand Master Thomas D.C. Lloyd, followed by the Last Post and two minutes silence and The Rouse. Then over 30 wreaths were laid.
Also, during the service, a poem called In Flanders Fields, written by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, was read by Assistant Grand Master Steven Varley. The Kohima Epitaph was read by the Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Brigadier Barry Arthur Charles Smith and the Closing was read by The Provincial Grand Master John Lockley, before the Banner Bearers Recession and The Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire and guests retired.
The service was followed by a most enjoyable lunch at the Arboretum, which many of those present attended.
This was the first national Remembrance Service for Freemasons together with members present and past of the Armed Forces, the first of many as Freemasonry cements its covenant with the Armed Forces and service to the community.
