National Sojourners, Inc.
Transcript of National Sojourners, Inc.
National Sojourners, Inc.
Service to the Craft
National Sojourners, Inc. 12010 Fraternal Liaison Breakfast
Service to the Craft
• Introduction to the Bridge of Light
Brother Bill Turner, Lt Col, USAF, Ret.
National 1st Vice President
• Bridge of Light Programs - Patriotic
Brother Bob McConnell, COL, USAF, Ret.
National 2nd Vice President
• Bridge of Light Programs - Education and Youth
Brother Keye Perry, Lt Col, USAF, Ret.
National 3rd Vice President
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Who are the National Sojourners?
Leaders of the Uniformed Services United by Masonic Brotherhood
PROUDLY SERVING THE CAUSE OF PATRIOTISM
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Purposes of National Sojourners, Inc
The Purposes of National Sojourners shall be
to organize Commissioned Officers, Warrant Officers, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers
of the uniformed services (past and present) of the United States,
and Honorary Members, who are Master Masons, into Chapters,
for the promotion of good fellowship among its members,
for assisting such as may be overtaken by adversity or affliction,
for cultivating Masonic ideals,
for supporting all patriotic aims and activities in Masonry,
for developing true Patriotism and Americanism throughout the Nation,
for bringing together representatives of the uniformed forces of the United States
(past and present) in a united effort to further the military need of National Defense,
and for opposing any influence whatsoever calculated to weaken the National Security.
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Bridge of LightNational
SojournersMasonry &
Appendant Bodies
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• Chairman: Brother RADM William “Gene” Sizemore
• Responsibilities:– Advise National President on all matters affecting fraternal
relations
– Be alert to changes in rules and edits in the various Grand
Jurisdictions
– Suggest ways to increase the effectiveness of the National
Sojourners Bridge of Light program
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National Fraternal Relations Committee
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National Fraternal Relations Committee
Representatives• Royal Order of Scotland
• Cryptic Masons
• Royal Arch Masons
• Knights of the York
Cross of Honor
• Scottish Rite
• Shriners
• DeMolay
• Conference of Grand
Masters
• Conference of Grand
Secretaries
• Tall Cedars
• Hi-Twelve
• Masonic Service
Association
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• Develop and coordinate the National Sojourners BOL
Program
• Furnish guidance to Chapters
• Meet and report at National Conventions and
meetings
• Motivate chapters to conduct robust BOL Programs
and recognize those who do ~
Odie R. Howell Jr. Bridge of Light Award
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National Bridge of Light Committee
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• General ~ establish liaison with local Masonic Lodges &
Appendant Bodies
• Promotion & Reporting
– Make annual chapter visits to local Masonic Lodges
– Encourage Sojourners to attend at least one Blue Lodge
meeting plus a presentation of the three Blue Lodge
Degrees annually
– Visit with local Masonic Youth Groups
– Present BOL CertificatesNational Sojourners, Inc. 9
Chapter Bridge of Light Committee
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• Promotion & Reporting (cont’)– Include significant local Masonic events in the Chapter
Bulletin
– Publish BOL articles in The Sojourner
– Submit an annual BOL Report
• Implement BOL Programs
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Chapter Bridge of Light Committee
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BOL Programs
Youth
Programs
Patriotic
Programs
Educational
Programs
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Patriotic Programs
Folding the FlagHistoric FlagsBuilding the Flag
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When Duty’s DoneColor GuardsToast to the Flag
Patriotic Programs
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Masonic & Patriotic Parades
Patriotic Programs
Degree Teams
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Flag Pageants
Patriotic Programs
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Historic Events
Patriotic Programs
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Patriotic Programs
Veteran Recognition
Events
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BOL Programs
Youth
Programs
Patriotic
Programs
Educational
Programs
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Educational Programs
The Story of
National Sojourners
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• Conducted by local Sojourner Chapters
• Special guests are the Masters & Wardens
• Usually a dinner event which highlights one or
more of the programs which National
Sojourners can provide to the Blue Lodge
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Educational Programs
Masters & Wardens Night
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• Emphasis is usually a focus on our flags, our
National Ensign, the military, or patriotic history
• Examples
– By the Dawn’s Early Light — a program that tells
the story of the Star Spangled Banner and
concludes properly singing the National Anthem
– Others
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Educational Programs
Tailored Patriotic Programs
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BOL Programs
Youth
Programs
Patriotic
Programs
Educational
Programs
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Youth Programs“ teaching young Americans about America”
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Where We Find Students
• Family members
• Neighbors & Friends
• Local Schools
• JROTC
• Boy & Girl Scouts
• Masonic Youth (Priority)
Student Qualifications
• Outstanding young Americans
• Exhibit leadership potential
High school age:
- Freedoms Foundation – rising
Juniors & Seniors
- Regional – 11th & 12th graders
• Other criteria set by the
sponsor
Youth Programs“ teaching young Americans about America”
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Joint
Military Order of World Wars &
National Sojourners
Regional Conferences
Youth Programs“ teaching young Americans about America”
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Youth Programs“ teaching young Americans about America”
• Past Themes:
– 2002: The Pledge of Allegiance
– 2003: Old Glory
– 2004: The American's Creed
– 2005: American Heroes
– 2006: National Expansion
– 2007: The Benefits of Space Exploration
– 2008: Patriotic Quotes
• Prizes
– 1st Place: $2000 Savings Bond
– 2nd Place: $1000 Savings Bond
– 3rd Place: $500 Savings Bond
Essay Contest
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• Nearly 3,000 medals presented annually
• Available to all ROTC/JROTC units upon request
• Presented to cadets who have done the most to encourage and demonstrate the ideals of Americanism by deed or conduct or both; and who have demonstrated potential for outstanding leadership.
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JROTC & ROTC Programs
John Jones
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Summary
• The National Sojourners, Inc., is committed to its Service to the Craft
through its Bridge of Light programs !!
• Through our wide variety of patriotic, educational, and youth programs,
we strive to develop a liaison, a bonding, and a friendship between
National Sojourners and the rest of Freemasonry …
• We need your help to:
− Promote and encourage the use of our programs (e.g., Masonic
education forums, Grand Lodge websites, DDGM conferences, etc.)
− Put us to work — especially as your patriotic resource and in your
outreach to Masonic Youth
− Build the Super Highway of productive Bridges of Light
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Summary
For more information about our programs
or to schedule one of our programs
please contact us as follows:
National Secretary
Brother Major Nelson Newcombe
(703) 765-5000
E-Mail: [email protected]
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