07/03/2026
To the Brethren of Red Jacket Lodge
Two hundred and fifty years ago, a small group of men—many of whom we are proud to call our Brothers—stood at a crossroads of history. They were not a global superpower; they were farmers, tradesmen, and scholars. Yet, they possessed a shared vision of a world where a man’s worth was not determined by his lineage, but by his character and his Creator.
When they signed the Declaration of Independence, they weren't just signing a document; they were issuing a challenge to the greatest military force in the world. It was an act of courage that if failed meant certain death.
The decision to pursue self-governance was more than a political rebellion; it was a fundamental shift in the human story. By asserting that governments derive their power from the consent of the people, they broke the chains of monarchy that had bound mankind for all of history.
Because of that small group’s resolve:
The Individual was Elevated: The world learned that liberty is an inherent right, not a royal favor.
Justice Found a New Foundation: The Rule of Law replaced the whims of a Crown.
The "Great Experiment" in Philadelphia became the blueprint for all free nations of today.
Our Charge Today
As we look toward this historic anniversary on July 4th, we recognize that the world was forever changed because they dared to believe that a free people could govern themselves.
As members of this fraternity, we carry a special duty to preserve the values of relief, truth, and brotherly love—the very principles upon which a free society stands. Let us honor their memory by continuing to build a world where the light of liberty will never go out. May we have the courage and resilience to defend against those that persist for control and subservience over freedom and self-government.