An Indiana Mason’s Allegiance to His Flag

The roots and symbols of American patriotism have their birth in Freemasonry. The precepts and teachings of Freemasonry helped shape the birth of this nation and are exhibited by the many notable patriots listed on the roles of lodges across America and Europe. The lodge roles include founding fathers, presidents, congressmen, representatives, governors, commissioners, mayors, and council members. From Point Udall in the Caribbean, west, to Agana, Guam, Freemasons have shaped the growth of this nation. The lodge roles include many Congressional Medal of Honor holders, Generals, Admirals, unit commanders, line officers, and a wealth of the enlisted ranks. All are dedicated to the freedom granted to all mankind by the Great Architect of the Universe. Furthering the guarantee of freedom and the expression of one’s personal belief, the lodge roles have notable religious leaders, civil-rights leaders, astronauts, inventors, industrialists, poets, authors, and entertainers that are all dedicated to the common cause of personal freedom of all mankind.

A revered symbol of our American freedom that stands in our lodges, is the American flag. The Pledge of Allegiance and our National Anthem, both, came from Freemasons. The inspiration, the lyrics, and the tunes were all from Freemasons. Included here are some historic notable Freemasons:

McHenry, James - Was a surgeon in the American Revolution, private secretary to Generals Washington and Lafayette, and Secretary of War under Bro. George Washington. Fort McHenry, Maryland, of "Star Spangled Banner" fame was named after Bro. McHenry

Key, Francis Scott - American lawyer and poet who wrote the lyrics which in 1931 became the United States' National Anthem

Smith, John Stafford - Composer, and musical scholar, born in England. He wrote vocal music, and the tune of "The Star-spangled Banner', the US National Anthem.

Sousa, John Philip - U.S. Marine Band leader from 1880 - 1892, he wrote numerous marches including the US's 'national march', "The Stars and Stripes Forever"

Captain Thomas Driver - In 1831 received a delegation of ladies aboard his ship, the S.S. Charles. They presented him with a new flag, which they had just made. Touched by the unexpected gift, he immediately ordered the new colors run up the mast and as he saluted, declared: "I name thee Old Glory." The name stuck and Bro. Driver carried "Old Glory" twice around the world.

Bellamy, Francis J. - Bro. Francis J. Bellamy was a member of Little Falls Lodge No. 181, Little Falls, New York, whom, in August, 1892, created America's Pledge of Allegiance

One particular Brother Mason, an American humorist is the gentleman entertainer Richard “Red” Skelton. Born on July 18, 1913, in Vincennes, Indiana. He was raised to Master Mason in Vincennes Lodge No. 1 on September 20, 1939. His first experience with Masonry occurred in late 1920. As he sold papers on a street corner in Vincennes, Indiana, a man bought a newspaper and tipped him the remainder of a $5 bill. Red asked, "Why did you give me so much money to keep?" The man answered, "I am a Mason and we are taught to give!" "Well, I am going to be a Mason, too, when I grow up," "Red" stated. "Oh, Sonny, you mean you are going to try to be a Mason." This conversation stayed with Bro. Skelton, all of his life.

While attending school in Vincennes, a major patriotic event occurred in Bro. Skelton’s life. Below is his January 14, 1969 recitation and remarks of the commentary by his teacher, Mr. Laswell:

Now, more than ever, listen to the meaning of these words.

"I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester

and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you.

If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word?"

I

me, an individual, a committee of one.

Pledge

dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self pity.

Allegiance

my love and my devotion.

To the flag

our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever

she waves, there's respect because your loyalty has given

her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!

United

that means that we have all come together.

States

individual communities that have united into 48 great states.

Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and

purpose; all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to

a common purpose, and that's love for country.

And to the republic

a state in which sovereign power is

invested in representatives chosen by the

people to govern. And government is the people

and it's from the people to the leaders, not from

the leaders to the people.

For which it stands, one nation

one nation, meaning "so

blessed by God"

Indivisible

incapable of being divided.

With liberty

which is freedom -- the right of power to live one's

own life without threats, fear or some sort of

retaliation.

And Justice

the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others.

For all

which means, boys and girls, it's as much your

country as it is mine.

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country

and two words have been added to the pledge of Allegiance...

UNDER GOD

Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said

that is a prayer

and that would be eliminated from schools too?


God Bless America!

Our beloved Masonic Brother died September 24, 1997, and was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, California. Brother Red will be remembered for countless decades for his hilarious family comedy. When others used obscenities to get a 'cheap laugh', he kept high standards and refused to follow. He truly embodied Freemasonry.

William Crowell

Masonic Education

January 13, 2003

Acknowledgements:

Edward L. King http://www.masonicinfo.com

Famous Masons