06/06/2026
Smithfield Masonic Lodge No. 182 – D-Day Remembrance Post
June 6, 1944 – June 6, 2026
Eighty-two years ago, in the early hours of June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched Operation Overlord, the largest amphibious invasion in human history. More than 156,000 American, British, Canadian, and Allied troops crossed the English Channel and landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword, beginning the liberation of Western Europe from N**i tyranny.
Among the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who took part in this historic operation were countless Freemasons who answered the call of duty, placing service above self and freedom above fear.
One of the most prominent Masons associated with D-Day was Brother Omar N. Bradley, commander of the U.S. First Army and the senior American ground commander during the Normandy invasion. Bradley was raised a Master Mason in West Point Lodge No. 877 in Highland Falls, New York, in 1923. During D-Day, he directed American forces landing at Utah and Omaha Beaches and would later become one of only a handful of five-star generals in American history.
Another distinguished Masonic figure connected to D-Day was Brother Theodore Roosevelt Jr., son of President Theodore Roosevelt. Landing with the first wave at Utah Beach despite severe arthritis and a heart condition, he famously declared, “We’ll start the war from right here.” His courage under fire earned him the Medal of Honor.
For Freemasons, D-Day represents more than a military victory. N**i Germany viewed Freemasonry as an enemy. Masonic lodges across occupied Europe were shut down, their property seized, archives confiscated, and many brethren persecuted, imprisoned, or killed. Thousands of Freemasons suffered under N**i rule because the principles of Freemasonry liberty, equality, tolerance, and the dignity of every human being stood in direct opposition to totalitarian ideology.
In France, Masonic organizations were outlawed, brethren were identified and targeted, and many participated in resistance movements against the occupiers. The liberation that began on D-Day ultimately allowed lodges throughout Europe to reopen and continue their work after years of oppression.
The story of D-Day is also a story of brotherhood. Men from different nations, religions, backgrounds, and walks of life stood shoulder-to-shoulder in defense of freedom. Those ideals echo the teachings found within our Craft: relief for the distressed, truth in action, and the belief that all men are created equal under the watchful eye of the Grand Architect of the Universe.
Today, the Brethren of Smithfield Masonic Lodge No. 182 pause to remember the heroes of Normandy and all those who served during the Second World War. We honor the fallen, salute the survivors, and reaffirm our commitment to the principles for which they fought.
May we never forget the courage displayed on the beaches of Normandy, the sacrifices made across Europe, and the generations who secured the blessings of liberty for those who followed.
“Lest We Forget.”
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In memory of the thousands who gave their lives on June 6, 1944, and in honor of the countless Freemasons who stood among them in the defense of freedom and human dignity.
