North Carolina Chapter 97, National Sojourners Inc.

10/04/2026

North Carolina Chapter No. 97 and the Cornelius Harnett Camp, Heroes of ’76, were proud to represent National Sojourners, Incorporated at the America 250 Liberty Gala, presented by the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina and hosted by Historic Phoenix Lodge No. 8 in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

It was an honor to share this patriotic evening with National Sojourners, Heroes of ’76, Masonic leaders, family, friends, and guests as we commemorated the 250th Anniversary of American Independence.

Among those in attendance were:

🇺🇸 Brother CWO(R) Francisco Ortiz, USMC — National President
🇺🇸 Brother SGM(R) John J. Brown, USMC — Past National Commander, and Grande Dame Katharyn Brown
🇺🇸 Brother MSG(R) James Pugsley, US Army — National Commander of the Guard and Carolinas Area Representative
🇺🇸 Brother CPT(R) Michael Aycock, US Army — North Carolina Regional Representative
🇺🇸 Brother CPO(R) Keith Stika, US Navy — South Carolina Regional Representative, and Sister Shirley Stika
🇺🇸 Brother SGT(R) Nelson Sanchez, US Army — President, North Carolina Chapter No. 97
🇺🇸 Brother PO3 Michael Albertson, US Navy — Commander, Cornelius Harnett Camp, Heroes of ’76, and Sister Jen Albertson

We were also joined by numerous other Sojourners, Heroes, and Camp Followers who helped make the evening a wonderful celebration of patriotism, fellowship, and service to our country.

A special recognition goes to Sister Lisa Chandler, who delivered a remarkable rendition of our National Anthem, setting a truly patriotic tone for the evening. 🇺🇸

North Carolina Chapter No. 97 and Cornelius Harnett Camp were honored to stand together in support of the National Sojourners mission of promoting patriotism, Americanism, and love of country as we celebrate America 250 — 1776–2026.

Proudly Serving the Cause of Patriotism Since 1929. 🇺🇸

09/29/2026

North Carolina Chapter No. 97, National Sojourners, Inc. was honored and privileged to present the Colors and deliver “A Toast to the Flag” during the 239th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina.

It was a proud moment to stand before our Brethren from across North Carolina and pay tribute to the Stars and Stripes and the principles of liberty, patriotism, service, and sacrifice that it represents.

National Sojourners have a long tradition of promoting Patriotism and Americanism within Freemasonry, and North Carolina Chapter No. 97 was proud to carry that tradition forward on this special occasion.

Our sincere appreciation to the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina for allowing us the privilege of participating in its 239th Annual Communication.

🇺🇸 Proudly Serving the Cause of Patriotism Since 1929 🇺🇸

North Carolina Chapter No. 97
National Sojourners, Inc.

🇺🇸

08/24/2026

🇺🇸 ONLY 10 DAYS LEFT TO REGISTER FOR THE LIBERTY GALA! 🇺🇸

Join us Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Embassy Suites in Fayetteville as we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence!

🎶 FEATURED ENTERTAINMENT: 82nd AIRBORNE DIVISION CHORUS!
We are excited to welcome the Chorus of the legendary All American Division for what promises to be a memorable and patriotic evening.

We are also honored to welcome Most Worshipful Steve Norris, Grand Master, and keynote speaker Worshipful Brother B. Chris Ruli, 32° KCCH, noted historian and Director of the Museum, Library, and Archives for the Supreme Council, 33°, A.A.S.R., Southern Jurisdiction.

📅 Saturday, October 3, 2026
📍 Embassy Suites — Fayetteville, NC
🍸 Cocktail Reception — 5:00 PM
🇺🇸 Receiving Line — 5:45 PM
🍽️ Dinner & Entertainment — 6:00–9:00 PM

⏰ Registration Deadline: September 2, 2026

🎟️ Register today:
https://www.jweventsgroup.com/libertygala

America will celebrate its 250th birthday only once. Come celebrate with us and BE PART OF HISTORY! 🇺🇸

Saturday, October 3, 2026 Time: 6pm - 10pm

08/09/2026

🇺🇸 EXCITING NEWS — FEATURED ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCEMENT! 🇺🇸

The Liberty Gala just became even more special! We are proud to announce that the 82nd Airborne Division Chorus will be the featured entertainment for this historic evening celebrating 250 Years of America’s Independence! 🎶🪂🇺🇸

Join us Saturday, October 3, 2026, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, as the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of North Carolina presents an unforgettable evening of patriotism, history, fellowship, and entertainment.

The voices of America’s All American Division will help make this once-in-a-generation celebration worthy of America’s 250th anniversary.

🎖️ Featured Entertainment: 82nd Airborne Division Chorus
🥂 5:00 PM: Cocktail Reception
🍽️ 6:00 PM: Dinner & Entertainment
🎤 Keynote Speaker: Chris Ruli, Historian • Author • Lecturer
⭐ Special Guest of Honor: Most Worshipful Steve M. Norris, Grand Master of Masons in North Carolina

Registration ends September 2, 2026, and you won’t want to miss
this historic celebration.

https://www.jweventsgroup.com/libertygala

🇺🇸 BE A PART OF HISTORY! 🇺🇸

08/06/2026

🇺🇸 A Great Evening Celebrating America’s 250th! 🇺🇸

North Carolina Chapter No. 97, National Sojourners, Inc. enjoyed an outstanding meeting tonight as we continued celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary and recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of our members.

A special thank you to Landon Dodson of the Marquis de Lafayette Order of DeMolay, who delivered an outstanding presentation of “A Toast to the Flag” and the 7th Precept of Americanism. In recognition of his patriotism and dedication, Landon was presented with a certificate recognizing him as a Patriot of ’76.

We were honored to welcome Brother LTC Michael Wertz, National President-Elect of National Sojourners, who recognized North Carolina Chapter No. 97 as National Chapter of the Year. He also presented our Chapter with the Chapter of Excellence certificate and the Odie Howell Bridge of Light streamer—testaments to the hard work and dedication of our members and Camp Followers throughout the past year.

Certificates of appreciation were also presented to numerous members and Camp Followers in recognition of their participation, service, and unwavering support of the Chapter.

The evening concluded with an educational program presented by Brother James Pugsley entitled “Sacred Honor,” exploring the character, courage, and commitment of the Founding Fathers and the enduring principles of the Declaration of Independence.

Thank you to everyone who attended and continues to support our mission of promoting patriotism, honoring our nation’s heritage, and preserving the principles upon which America was founded.

🇺🇸 Patriotism is not merely remembered—it is lived.

08/03/2026

Register and Share

https://www.jweventsgroup.com/libertygala

07/25/2026

Thank you to the Whiteville Rotary Club for inviting North Carolina Chapter No. 97, National Sojourners, Incorporated, to present our Building the Flag program last evening.

It was an honor to share the history and meaning of our nation’s flag with such a dedicated civic organization. The Whiteville Rotary Club continues to make a tremendous impact in the community through its support of the Boys & Girls Home, food distribution efforts for those in need, and countless other service projects that exemplify “Service Above Self.”

We appreciate the warm hospitality and the opportunity to promote patriotism while recognizing the important work Rotary members do every day to strengthen their community. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your evening!

🇺🇸 Building Patriotism… One Flag at a Time.

Tonight we enjoyed a very informative program about the America Flag by the North Carolina Chapter # 97 National Sojourners, Inc out of Fayetteville, NC
For more information about this group, go to:
[email protected]

07/04/2026

Happy Independence Day from National Sojourners!

Today, we join Americans across the nation in honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

For two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have answered the call to defend liberty, preserve freedom, and serve a cause greater than themselves. National Sojourners proudly honors our nation’s heritage, the ideals upon which it was founded, and all those who have worn the uniform in service to the United States.

As we celebrate July 4th, let us remember the courage of our Founders, the sacrifices of our service members, and our shared responsibility to carry forward the principles of patriotism, fellowship, and service.

06/30/2026

🇺🇸 What is the value of a man’s word?

Join us on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Rockingham Lodge No. 495 for Sacred Honor: Walking with the Delegates Through the Declaration of Independence.

This unique Masonic education program invites you to journey back to Philadelphia in 1776 and explore the character, courage, and convictions of the men who pledged their Lives, their Fortunes, and their Sacred Honor.

🍽️ Meal: 6:15 PM
🏛️ Meeting: 7:00 PM
📍 1107 Fayetteville Rd., Rockingham, NC 28379

I look forward to sharing this evening of history, reflection, and Masonic education with you.