Scottish Rite Valley of Central Jersey

06/21/2026

06/19/2026

On this day in 1866, the last enslaved people in the U.S. learned of their emancipation, marking the end of slavery in our nation.

Today, we celebrate freedom and reflect on the enormous progress we have made toward equality.

06/17/2026

Corpsman Up!

Today, we celebrate and recognize the U.S. Navy Corpsmen who have stood alongside our for 128 years.

Since June 16, 1898, Navy Corpsmen have embodied the spirit of . From naval hospitals to the battlefield, they remain always faithful, treating our wounded and keeping Marines in the fight.

To the in our ranks, we thank you for your unwavering dedication to duty and to our Marines.

Semper Fidelis.

✍️ (U.S. Marine Corps graphic by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales)

📷 (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Armando Elizalde)

06/14/2026

Let’s take a look at the museum's 15-star flag in honor of this Sunday!

One of the treasures of the collection, this flag is one of only a handful still in existence made between 1794 and 1818. It dates from the same era as the Star-Spangled Banner, which flew at Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott Key (1779-1843) to write the words of the national anthem.

Flags of this size—the museum's flag is 12.75 feet high and nearly 11 feet wide—were created to mark the property of the government of the United States, such as a military fort or ship. Look for this amazing piece of American history on your next visit to the museum, and learn more about our collections at www.srmml.org/collections.

06/14/2026

Happy Flag Day! 🇺🇸

Today we honor the stars, the stripes, and the freedom they represent.

God bless America.

06/14/2026

Today, we honor the 251st Birthday of the United States Army!

Since 1775, brave Americans have answered the call to serve with courage, commitment, and sacrifice. Thank you to all who have worn the uniform and defended our nation.

06/14/2026

Happy Flag Day!

Today, we honor a great symbol of our nation. For almost 250 years, the American flag has represented freedom and liberty.

06/11/2026

The Declaration of Independence
June 11th

Since June 7, 1776 the Continental Congress had been debating the Lee Resolution on Independence. On June 11th they adjourned for a three week recess after which they would again discuss the issue. Before adjournment they formed a committee to write a statement, should they vote in favor of the resolution, explaining to the world the reasons for the break with the mother country, a declaration of independence.

It was decided that five men would serve, hence the name the Committee of Five. On this committee were two of the most fervent advocates for liberty, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. Also serving were two highly respected members of Congress, Roger Sherman of Connecticut and Robert R. Livingston of New York. The fifth was one of the youngest and quietest member as well as being the only one from a southern colony, Thomas Jefferson.

Of the five, we know Jefferson became the primary author of the document. Why was the youngest member of the group chosen to write the Declaration of Independence? It could be that no one thought this paper mattered much. After all it would be yet another statement sent by the colonists to complain of their mistreatment by the crown. Or it could be that the other members were aware of Jefferson’s skill with a pen. It is also likely Jefferson’s home state weighed in on the matter. He was a Virginian and Virginia was the oldest, largest, and most powerful of the colonies. Adams said as much in a letter to Thomas Pickering,

“You inquire why so young a man as Mr. Jefferson was placed at the head of the committee for preparing a Declaration of Independence? I answer: It was the Frankfort advice, to place Virginia at the head of everything.”

So on this day in 1776 Thomas Jefferson began working on the draft of what would become our Declaration. Toiling on a portable desk at his lodging in Philadelphia, he wrote the first of several drafts. When he finished his final draft, Jefferson showed it to two of the committee members, Adams and Franklin.

“I drew it; but before I reported it to the committee I communicated it separately to Dr. Franklin and Mr. Adams requesting their corrections… I then wrote a fair copy, reported it to the committee, and from them, unaltered to the Congress.”

06/11/2026

https://scottishritenmj.org/blog/scottish-rite-cap?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=retention&fbclid=IwZnRzaASXoE5leHRuA2FlbQExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR7t-lhzrBPp6hF97Abe4yNV0mip0OU9F26A9v_tcSd9ZJEcozzS_Q3LXdEr2A_aem_9ezmsBwMmglvUzwCGiqBjw

Curious about the meaning of Scottish Rite caps? Learn about the significance of these Masonic caps and what they mean to Scottish Rite Brothers.