Rhode Island  Freemasons Dedicate Veteran's Memorial Monument

More than 300 Veterans,
Freemasons, representatives from
Concordant Bodies and Veterans' affairs personnel attended the dedication of the Masonic Veterans' Memorial at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, Rhode Island on April 29, 2006. The dedication ceremony
was the culmination of a four year
program to design, fund and erect the monument.

    

 

 

The monument, procured from Caron Rock of Ages Memorials in Pawtucket, RI has five major pieces consisting of four ashlars and a broken column and plinth sitting on a three piece base section. Two of the ashlars are in the as quarried state and two have a smooth surface. The fluted column is 18 inches in diameter and sits on a 30 inch square base. The overall height of the column and base is about 12 feet. The wording on the plinth is "We Honor Those Military Veterans Who Have Served God, Family, Country & Freemasons of Rhode Island."

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The enthusiasm and cooperation received from the Masonic bodies, Veterans Affairs personnel and state officials in helping to make this monument possible was extremely gratifying," said Leon C. Knudsen, Chairman of the Masonic Veterans' Memorial Committee of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. "The large turnout, with many veterans in attendance wearing their military uniforms, was the crowning piece to this project."

    Brother Wyman P. Hallstrom, Jr., our Most Worshipful Grand Master on the date of the dedication, formally dedicated the monument to Military Veteran Brethren wherever dispersed over the face of the Earth. He said, "Freemasons are patriots, as well as philanthropic individuals, who take pride in their patriotism and charitable work. As Freemasons we hope that this simple monument dedicated to those patriots, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, will ensure that we as family, friends and Brothers never forget them." Brother Bradford L. Barco, Most Worshipful Past Grand Master, delivered the dedication speech. Assisting with the ceremony were the Grand Lodge officers, the color guard from Overseas Lodge No. 40, the Rhode Island Shriners Legion of Honor Color Guard, Brass Band, Directors Staff and Temple Guard.