As poppies bloom on lapels across the nation this Remembrance Day, the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to those who've served – a commitment that goes far beyond mere words and symbols. This commitment was solidified in October 2021 when UGLE signed the Armed Forces Covenant, a pledge to ensure that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect.
Join us as we unveil the powerful alliance between Freemasonry and our Armed Forces community. From the echoing chambers of Freemasons' Hall, UGLE's headquarters, to the grassroots efforts in Provinces nationwide, discover how UGLE is honouring its promise to those who've honoured us with their service and how the principles of Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Service are fostering a strong support network for our Armed Forces heroes.
The Armed Forces Covenant: A Solemn Pledge
The Armed Forces Covenant is more than just a document; it represents our moral commitment to those who have served. As John Thompson, Provincial Grand Master of Durham, eloquently stated in his recent speech at the 2024 September Quarterly Communication, ‘The Covenant acknowledges the unique sacrifices made by military personnel and seeks to mitigate the disadvantages they may face compared to other citizens.’
By signing the Covenant, UGLE joined over 12,000 organisations in promising to support members of the Armed Forces in various aspects of life, including education, family wellbeing, housing, career opportunities, healthcare, financial assistance, and discounted services.
A Ceremony of Significance
The signing ceremony, led by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent, took place at Freemasons' Hall, underscoring the importance of this commitment.
During the ceremony, The Duke of Kent emphasised, ‘We are proud of our long-standing relationship with the Armed Forces, and we will continue to promote their welfare, support, and respect amongst all our members.’
This sentiment was echoed by Major General Simon Graham, Army Reserves Director, who signed on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. He noted, ‘For centuries the United Grand Lodge of England has had a solid connection to the Armed Forces, and it makes perfect sense for us to have the Freemasons signing up to Armed Forces Covenant this year.’
From Signature to Action: Implementing the Covenant
While signing the Covenant was a significant step, John Thompson's speech highlighted the need for concrete action to fulfil this commitment. He proposed several strategies to enhance UGLE's support for the Armed Forces community:
- National Cohesion: Thompson emphasised the need for a cohesive national structure to maximise support and impact, urging all Provinces to become signatories of the Covenant.
- Promoting Armed Forces-Friendly Practices: Encouraging Freemasons who are employers to sign the Covenant and support the employment of veterans, service spouses, and partners.
- Provincial Initiatives: Highlighting successful examples from various Provinces, such as Durham's Armed Forces Committee, Hampshire and Isle of Wight's commemorative events, and Yorkshire, North and East Riding's support for veterans' charities.
- Community Engagement: Strengthening bonds with the Armed Forces community through local activities, support for cadet units, and participation in remembrance events.
- Long-Term Goals: Establishing effective teams in each Province, collaborating on larger events, and developing a strategy for national impact.
The Shared Values of Freemasonry and the Armed Forces
Thompson aptly noted the alignment between Freemasonry's core values and the ethos of the Armed Forces Covenant: ‘Freemasonry's core values of Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Service align perfectly with the ethos of the Armed Forces Covenant.’
This alignment is not coincidental. The long-standing relationship between Freemasonry and the Armed Forces is built on shared principles of discipline, loyalty, and fraternity. As Thompson pointed out, ‘Freemasonry and the Armed Forces share a common set of values and standards, but Freemasonry also provides an identity, structure, and a team ethos which members of the Armed Forces Community are so familiar with and which, for some, can be lost when leaving the services.’
Looking to the Future
As we commemorate Remembrance Day, UGLE reaffirms its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. The organisation is dedicated to evolving its support, moving from symbolic gestures to tangible actions that make a real difference in the lives of service members, veterans, and their families.
By strengthening our support for the Covenant, we not only honour the sacrifices made by our military personnel but also enhance our reputation as a force for good within society. As John Thompson concluded, ‘Together, let us work towards a cohesive, effective, and impactful support system for the Armed Forces Community within Freemasonry.’
This Remembrance Day, let us pause to remember the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces and reconfirm our commitment to supporting them, not just in word, but in action. The United Grand Lodge of England is prepared to play its part in ensuring that those who serve our country receive the respect, support, and recognition they so rightly deserve.
