Killen Lodge 788 F&AM

Many of our nation's early patriots were Freemasons, as well as thirteen signers of the Constitution and fourteen Presidents of the United States, beginning with George Washington. Today, the more than four million Freemasons around the world come from virtually every occupation and profession. They come from diverse political ideologies, but they meet as friends. They come from virtually every re

ligious belief, but they all believe in one God. One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry has always been: how so many men, from so many different walks of life, can meet together in peace, never have any political or religious debates, always conduct their affairs in harmony and friendship, and call each other "Brother!"

The words, "Friend to Friend" capture the essence and the spirit of Freemasonry. Just as the operative masons built the magnificent cathedrals centuries ago from stone to stone, Freemasonry has been built through the centuries from friend to friend. Within this unique and honorable Fraternity there exists a very special bond between men of all walks of life that has survived the most divisive political, religious and military conflicts in history. The principles of Freemasonry consist of the moral fiber that strengthens a society. To preserve these principles and to enhance their practice is to make the world a better place. Freemasons do this as a way of life. We, as Freemasons, look with pride to "Centuries Past" and to the positive impact we have made on the preservation of freedom and good in society. The contributions of the famous Masons of the past are historic. We look with confidence "through Centuries to Come," knowing that the principles of Freemasonry will be as important for the good society in the future as they are now, and as they always have been. We know that wherever mankind may go, even into space and beyond, Freemasons will be there, as was a very courageous lunar astronaut and Brother Buzz Aldrin, the first Mason to walk on the moon. Brother Aldrin's patriotism, courage and immeasurable contributions to mankind distinguish him as one of the most famous heroes of all time, and the most logical Freemason to symbolically represent "Friend to Friend" and Freemasonry's hope for the future.