HomeBy Edgardo Gonzalez Lopez
Worshipful Master
Freemasons from throughout Rhode Island and their guests met at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, RI on Nov. 11 to lay a wreath at the Masonic Veterans Memorial.
Gilbert J. Fontes, Jr., Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons for Rhode Island, conducted the wreath-laying ceremony. In his remarks Grand Master Fontes said “As we lay this wreath today, let us remember that the freedoms we enjoy were secured by ordinary Americans who accomplished extraordinary things through their courage, character, and commitment to something greater than themselves.”
Mekawy E. Elmekawy, Right Worshipful Grand Chaplin for the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, offered opening and closing prayers, encouraging all to keep veterans and their families in their hearts and minds, and in their thoughts and prayers. A color guard from Overseas Lodge No. 40 presented the American flag.
The wreath-laying ceremony was preceded by a breakfast at Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 4 in North Kingstown.
The Masonic Veterans Memorial was dedicated in 2006. Wreaths are placed at the memorial each Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
Grand Master of Masons Gilbert J. Fontes, Jr. delivers the commemorative address at the Masonic Veterans Memorial at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery on November 11.
Overseas Lodge No. 40 provided the Honor Guard for the wreath-laying ceremony at the Masonic Veterans Memorial.