Remembrance

by WBro Greg Henkelman

Presented on November 1, 2006 by VWBro Dick Cameron on WBro Greg Henkelman’s behalf

Later this month, we mark another Remembrance Day. As a teacher, I will again hear students read John McRae’s poem In Flander’s Fields over my school’s intercom, attempting a tone that cannot even begin to convey the feeling behind the author’s words. I will again marvel at the moment of silence and tears shared by most students…but also marvel at the simple ignorance of those few students who just don’t get it.

But this year will also be different for me. With Canada again engaged overseas, I have seen the effect acutely in Edmonton, home of many of the soldiers. Colleagues of mine teach their children, the newspapers tell stories of those left behind, pictures show the disturbed and joyous tears of soldiers returning home. In this Lodge, many of us have relatives, friends, or know Brethren who are serving. With these things in mind, Remembrance Day becomes a more potent tool than usual in helping us remember our past and reflect upon our future.

This year I represent Britannia when I lay a wreath to honour the members of this Lodge who served our country. I will think about the several plaques with the names of Brethren who served that I saw hanging on the walls of Freemason’s Hall in Edmonton during a recent visit, and which hang in Lodges throughout our privileged province and country. I will remember a moment, in this Lodge, when Past Grand Master MWBro Rod Ponech described the return of Canada’s Second World War Veterans, how they sought a worthy organization to keep the brotherhood they experienced as soldiers alive, and how they found support amongst their Masonic Brethren to help them cope with hard-earned wisdom.

I will remember one man in particular, though I do not do so to diminish the memory and accomplishments of so many others, veterans and Brethren alike. As an elementary school student, I interviewed RWBro Ernie Hickmore in the Ponoka Legion Hall for a Remembrance Day Essay Contest. His recollections helped me develop empathy and earn a patch and certificate I still treasure. I remember trying to learn the due guard of a Master Mason from a man with nerve damage in his hand suffered during war. I remember trying to march and perform floor and memory work with the dignity becoming what sometimes seemed like his venerable institution. And I will remember delivering part of the Masonic eulogy for RWBro Hickmore last year.

But my greatest memory will be the look in RWBro Ernie Hickmore’s eyes when MWBro Ponech gave his speech about Masonic veterans. That look touched me to a depth I can not describe. Perhaps I grasped the meaning of remembrance and fraternity for the very first time. This memory is one of the strongest touchstones of my Masonic life.

In the November 2006 edition of the Alberta Freemason, an article entitled “We’re Losing Our History” caught my eye. The final statement goes as follows: “Our history reminds us from whence we came and what we have accomplished. It influences what we are today and shapes what we will be in the future”.

Brethren, let us not merely set aside one day for remembrance: it is too powerful an implement for change in our lives to ignore 364 days of the year. Socrates said the “unexamined life is not worth living”. I agree. Perhaps by remembering the bricks and mortar of our lives, we can reflect on the contributions we are making to the edifice of Masonry and all of humankind. At the very least, we can remember what Masonry means to us and be prepared to be true ambassadors for the Craft. This is a beginning to consciously perform “acts of Masonry”, whether they are seen by others or not. Masonry should not be focused on public acts, perfect floorwork, or impeccable memory work, but rather in the everyday efforts we make to become better men. Remember your Masonic joy to others.

In closing, Brethren, look around the Lodge tonight. Think about those who are here, those who are not here. Remember what we have done together as a group of men and Masons. Value NOW and FOREVER what we have in Masonry: and craft this remembrance into your future as a Mason.