A contingent of Durham Freemasons travelled to Staffordshire on Saturday, 1 November, to join hundreds of Freemasons and their guests from across England and Wales for the Freemasons’ National Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum.
The service brought together members of the Freemasonry community, their families, and military representatives in an act of collective remembrance. Attendees paid tribute to those who have served in the Armed Forces, those who continue to serve, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The solemn ceremony included traditional elements such as the Act of Remembrance, the Last Post, Two Minutes’ Silence, and the laying of wreaths at the Freemasons’ Memorial Garden. John Watts, Head of Durham Freemasons, was among 47 other area Heads processing and laying wreaths of remembrance on behalf of their respective areas, commemorating all Freemasons who have served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“It was both an honour and a privilege to represent Durham at the National Memorial Arboretum,” said John Watts. “To stand alongside Freemasons from every corner of the country, united in remembrance of those who served and sacrificed, is a deeply moving experience. Freemasonry has always stood for service, duty and community, and today’s act of remembrance reflects those values perfectly.”
Now in its second year, the national service was led by the Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London and presided over by United Grand Lodge Assistant Grand Master John Thompson, former Head of Durham Freemasons and UGLE’s national lead for Membership and the Armed Forces Covenant.
Also in attendance was Lieutenant Colonel John Henry, Assistant Head of Durham Freemasons and a serving officer in the Ministry of Defence, reflecting the organisation’s ongoing support for the Armed Forces community and its continued commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
Continuing the Tribute in Durham
Following the national ceremony, attention now turns to remembrance services taking place across the Province on Sunday 9 November.
Across Durham, from the Tyne to the Tees and the Dales to the Sea, members of the Executive of Durham Freemasons and leaders from Durham Companion Freemason Orders will attend 26 remembrance services in towns and communities throughout the region.
John Watts will lay a wreath in Sunderland, at one of the largest remembrance services outside London, while John Henry will attend the remembrance service in Durham City to accompany His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, Dame Susan Snowdon, as part of the parade organising committee.
These events will once again underline the Province’s continuing commitment to the Armed Forces community to those who serve, to veterans, and to the memory of all who have fallen. Particular significance will be given to remembering those Freemasons who gave their lives in service to their country.
Commenting ahead of the provincial services, John Watts added:
“Please come and join us at one of the parades on the 9th of November and show your support. Don’t wait to be asked!”
Durham Freemasons will be represented at remembrance services in the following locations:
Barnard Castle, Billingham, Birtley, Chester le Street, Cockerton (Darlington), Consett, Crook, Darlington, Dunston, Durham, Hartlepool, Hartlepool Headlands, Jarrow, The Menin Gate - Ypres, Seaham, Shildon, South Shields, Spean Bridge, Spenntmoor, Stockton, Sunderland, Tow Law, Wolsingham, Hetton Le Hole
