Philadelphia Lodge #916

The Grand Lodge of NY is the only Grand Jurisdiction in the US that has a dedicated subordinate organization comprised of only Masonic military veterans. They h...ave been doing amazing work since they day they were founded! Today they delivered a large quantity of winter hats, gloves, socks, wheelchair lap robes, and sunglasses to the Buffalo, NY VA Hospital. Provided by the Grand Lodge Military Outreach Committee and Niagara Frontier Post No. 10 Masonic War Veterans. Pictured are W Brian Steward, Commander of Post 10 and RW Brian Will Past Commander General, Grand Post Masonic War Veterans. See more

Today in Masonic History it is 2552 Anno Inventionis (A.I.)! The year is 2547 Anno Inventionis, or In the Year of the Discovery. Most people are familiar with Anno Lucis, or the year of light which is associated with Blue Lodge Freemasonry. Some might not be so familiar with Anno Inventionis. This refers to the building of the second Temple, believed to have been built by Zerubbabel during the reign of Darius, King of Persia.... Although there is little detail written about Zerubbabel, it is believed he, along with other Israelites, was held in captivity in Persia for many years. Darius allowed Zerubbabel to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple after their captivity. When Zerubbabel arrived at the site of first Temple (Solomon's Temple) they began excavating and are believed to have discovered various artifacts associated with the first Temple. Anno Inventionis is used largely by Royal Arch Masons. Just as Blue Lodge and Royal Arch Masons have unique dates they use, so does Scottish Rite (Anno Mundi) which adds 3760 to the current year and Anno Ordinis for the Knights Templar which subtracts 1118 from the year to signify the founding of the Templar Order. Regardless of how you count the year, the new year in most cultures is seen as a time of renewal, a fresh start to make the World, or at least your own corner of it, much better. No matter what number you choose to associate with this year, make it a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Today in Masonic History we present our 2021 Christmas message. On this special day we take the opportunity to talk about Freemasonry and it's role in the world. For the last two years I have started our Christmas Message with "Daily we seem to be living in a world spiraling out of control. From natural disasters to violence against the innocent it is hard to imagine a time or a place when this wasn't the case." This statement was true in preceding years, it continues to be t...rue. In this past year we have seen death on a global scale, families torn apart and lives forever changed. Those lucky enough to recover from the virus still may see unknown effects from their illness. Despite strides in medical treatments, the global pandemic continues to impact lives. As dark as this picture is, it also brings opportunity for everyone, mason or not, to make the world a better place. We all have neighbors in need of a friendly smile as we stand distant from therm. Elderly neighbors especially may need help getting groceries, as they are nervous about venturing into public. Empathy needs to be come one of our new cardinal virtues. As masons we need to remember in the community at large "it is okay to disagree, it is not okay to be disagreeable." We have an obligation in masonry to extend the idea of brotherly love outside our brothers and into the community as a whole. Agreeing with another person on every point, political or otherwise, can never happen. Accepting them in the love which Jesus taught is very possible. This does not mean acquiescing, it means choosing our words carefully to not further enflame the disagreement, it means providing a civil discourse in all matters. We as masons and as human beings need to strive to achieve this lofty goal. We as masons hold an advantage, in better times we attend a space where we can practice this high virtue in a microcosm of society, so we can take the skill into the world and set an example by showing tolerance for the beliefs and opinions of others, making the world safer and brighter. In this season of peace, regardless of your religion or affiliation with the masonic fraternity, I hope you find a way to let forgiveness in your heart and make room for those who are in need of the miracle of generosity and kindness. More than ever the World needs our efforts in this endeavor. I hope everyone who reads this has a Merry Christmas and celebrates the idea of peace on Earth and goodwill toward ALL man kind.

Today in Masonic History Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japanese forces in 1941. Pearl Harbor was and is a U.S. Naval Base on the island of Oahu. In 1941 the United States had not yet officially entered World War II. At the time there was a strong non-intervention sentiment in the country. World War I was still on people's minds and many Americans did not want to see the country brought into another world wide conflict. One person who did not agree with this stance was then Pre...sident, Franklin D. Roosevelt. Roosevelt, a Freemason, had just over a year before signed the Bases for Battleships deal with Great Britain. The Bases for Battleships deal circumvented laws in place preventing direct United States intervention with the war in Europe. In the early morning of December 7th, 1941 the Japanese Imperial fleet attacked Pearl Harbor in a devastating blow. Thousands of Americans were killed or wounded in the attack. Eight American Battleships were damaged in the attack, 6 were repaired and saw further combat in the war. The motivation for Japan's attack was to prevent American and British interference in battle plans Japan laid out for the Pacific. There were simultaneous attacks in the U.S. held Philippines as well as Malaya, Singapore and Hong Kong, which were held by the British Empire. An alleged quote from Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, made famous by the ending of the movie Tora! Tora! Tora!, had the Admiral saying "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and filled him with a terrible resolve." Although the quote is apparently made up for the movie, the sentiment was accurate at the time. Although the attack dealt a blow to America in the loss of equipment and more importantly in the loss of life it failed to sink key military equipment, namely United States aircraft carriers, already at sea when the attack happened. When President Roosevelt addressed congress the next day, he referred to December 7th, 1941 as a "Day that would live in infamy". After the war, the Attack on Pearl harbor was called a War Crime since it happened when no official declaration of war existed between the United States and Japan. The fact the aircraft carriers were already at sea when the attack happened and Roosevelt was looking for a reason for America to enter the war in Europe have led some to claim the United States and Great Britain knew of the attack and let it happen as an excuse to enter the war. Most mainstream historians find no evidence to support these claims. To all who served on December 7th, 1941 or who lost loved ones, we thank you for your service and sacrifice.

PLEASE SHARE! December 8 Telethon - and YOU can (virtually) be in the audience! Sign up now at NYMASONS.org. Details on the telethon itself will come out later.

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Reminder our brothers in Gouverneur are hosting their Annual Harvest Turkey Dinner. For more information, please click on the event. Bro. Dave Pechey Admin

Announcement !!! PLEASE READ IN FULL !!! U.S. Military Freemason Coins !!!... These coins are now available for PREORDER & will be going into production around November 1st ( Or sooner if enough sell to cover production costs )!!! They are $15 each for Non Members & discounted for members of The 357 Club on the members website !! The ones with the white background are glow in the dark !!! www.thetravelingambassador.com @thetravelingambassador * Don’t forget to check out The 357 Club for great benefits and discounts /G\

Our brothers at Gouverneur Masonic Lodge #217 are holding their Annual Harvest Turkey Dinner. Click on the event for more information. - Bro. Dave Pechey Admin

Update !!!! After many delays due to low sales of these coins, all 19 will be going into production on November 1st & will be arriving about 4 weeks later !!! F...acebook only allowed 10 pictures, so to see all 19 coins, you will have to go to the website !!!! www.thetravelingambassador.com @thetravelingambassador * Don’t forget to check out The 357 Club for great benefits and discounts /G\

http://www.midnightfreemasons.org//the-worlds-smallest-pre

http://www.midnightfreemasons.org//09/brothers-for-life.ht

Update !!!! Many more benefits are being added for Members, so make sure to join The 357 Club !!! Membership is a one time cost of $35.70 and a lifetime of bene...fits !!! Visit the website below for most of the benefits and for the link to join !!! If you are not in The United States, please email us at [email protected] with your name and full shipping address for additional shipping costs !!! www.the357club.com @thetravelingambassador * Many more preorder items are either in production or will be going into production over the next several weeks /G\