National Sojourners, Inc. Service to the Craft 2010 Fraternal National Sojourners, Liaison Breakfast Inc. 1
Introduction to the Bridge of Light Brother Bill Turner, Lt Col, USAF, Ret. National 1 st Vice President Bridge of Light Programs - Patriotic Brother Bob McConnell, COL, USAF, Ret. National 2 nd Vice President Bridge of Light Programs - Education and Youth Brother Keye Perry, Lt Col, USAF, Ret. National 3 rd Vice President National Sojourners, Inc. 2
Who are the National Sojourners? Leaders of the Uniformed Services United by Masonic Brotherhood PROUDLY SERVING THE CAUSE OF PATRIOTISM National Sojourners, Inc. 3
Purposes of National Sojourners, Inc The Purposes of National Sojourners shall be to organize Commissioned Officers, Warrant Officers, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers of the uniformed services (past and present) of the United States, and Honorary Members, who are Master Masons, into Chapters, for the promotion of good fellowship among its members, for assisting such as may be overtaken by adversity or affliction, for cultivating Masonic ideals, for supporting all patriotic aims and activities in Masonry, for developing true Patriotism and Americanism throughout the Nation, for bringing together representatives of the uniformed forces of the United States (past and present) in a united effort to further the military need of National Defense, and for opposing any influence whatsoever calculated to weaken the National Security. National Sojourners, Inc. 4
National Sojourners Bridge of Light Masonry & Appendant Bodies National Sojourners, Inc. 5
National Fraternal Relations Committee Chairman: Brother RADM William Gene Sizemore Responsibilities: Advise National President on all matters affecting fraternal relations Be alert to changes in rules and edits in the various Grand Jurisdictions Suggest ways to increase the effectiveness of the National Sojourners Bridge of Light program National Sojourners, Inc. 6
National Fraternal Relations Committee Conference of Grand Masters Conference of Grand Secretaries Tall Cedars Hi-Twelve Masonic Service Association Representatives Royal Order of Scotland Cryptic Masons Royal Arch Masons Knights of the York Cross of Honor Scottish Rite Shriners DeMolay National Sojourners, Inc. 7
National Bridge of Light Committee Develop and coordinate the National Sojourners BOL Program Furnish guidance to Chapters Meet and report at National Conventions and meetings Motivate chapters to conduct robust BOL Programs and recognize those who do ~ Odie R. Howell Jr. Bridge of Light Award National Sojourners, Inc. 8
Chapter Bridge of Light Committee General ~ establish liaison with local Masonic Lodges & Appendant Bodies Promotion & Reporting Make annual chapter visits to local Masonic Lodges Encourage Sojourners to attend at least one Blue Lodge meeting plus a presentation of the three Blue Lodge Degrees annually Visit with local Masonic Youth Groups Present BOL Certificates National Sojourners, Inc. 9
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Chapter Bridge of Light Committee Promotion & Reporting (cont ) Include significant local Masonic events in the Chapter Bulletin Publish BOL articles in The Sojourner Submit an annual BOL Report Implement BOL Programs National Sojourners, Inc. 11
BOL Programs Patriotic Programs Educational Programs Youth Programs National Sojourners, Inc. 12
Patriotic Programs Building the Flag Historic Flags Folding the Flag National Sojourners, Inc. 13
Patriotic Programs Toast to the Flag Color Guards When Duty s Done National Sojourners, Inc. 14
Patriotic Programs Masonic & Patriotic Parades Degree Teams National Sojourners, Inc. 15
Patriotic Programs Flag Pageants National Sojourners, Inc. 16
Patriotic Programs Historic Events National Sojourners, Inc. 17
Patriotic Programs Veteran Recognition Events National Sojourners, Inc. 18
BOL Programs Patriotic Programs Educational Programs Youth Programs National Sojourners, Inc. 19
Educational Programs The Story of National Sojourners National Sojourners, Inc. 20
Educational Programs Masters & Wardens Night Conducted by local Sojourner Chapters Special guests are the Masters & Wardens Usually a dinner event which highlights one or more of the programs which National Sojourners can provide to the Blue Lodge National Sojourners, Inc. 21
Emphasis is usually a focus on our flags, our National Ensign, the military, or patriotic history Examples By the Dawn s Early Light a program that tells the story of the Star Spangled Banner and concludes properly singing the National Anthem Others Educational Programs Tailored Patriotic Programs National Sojourners, Inc. 22
BOL Programs Patriotic Programs Educational Programs Youth Programs National Sojourners, Inc. 23
Youth Programs teaching young Americans about America National Sojourners, Inc. 24
Youth Programs teaching young Americans about America Student Qualifications Outstanding young Americans Exhibit leadership potential High school age: - Freedoms Foundation rising Juniors & Seniors - Regional 11 th & 12 th graders Other criteria set by the sponsor Where We Find Students Family members Neighbors & Friends Local Schools JROTC Boy & Girl Scouts Masonic Youth (Priority) National Sojourners, Inc. 25
Youth Programs teaching young Americans about America Joint Military Order of World Wars & National Sojourners Regional Conferences National Sojourners, Inc. 26
Past Themes: 2002: The Pledge of Allegiance 2003: Old Glory 2004: The American's Creed 2005: American Heroes 2006: National Expansion Youth Programs teaching young Americans about America 2007: The Benefits of Space Exploration 2008: Patriotic Quotes Essay Contest Prizes 1 st Place: $2000 Savings Bond 2 nd Place: $1000 Savings Bond 3 rd Place: $500 Savings Bond National Sojourners, Inc. 27
JROTC & ROTC Programs John Jones Nearly 3,000 medals presented annually Available to all ROTC/JROTC units upon request Presented to cadets who have done the most to encourage and demonstrate the ideals of Americanism by deed or conduct or both; and who have demonstrated potential for outstanding leadership. National Sojourners, Inc. 28
Summary The National Sojourners, Inc., is committed to its Service to the Craft through its Bridge of Light programs!! Through our wide variety of patriotic, educational, and youth programs, we strive to develop a liaison, a bonding, and a friendship between National Sojourners and the rest of Freemasonry We need your help to: Promote and encourage the use of our programs (e.g., Masonic education forums, Grand Lodge websites, DDGM conferences, etc.) Put us to work especially as your patriotic resource and in your outreach to Masonic Youth Build the Super Highway of productive Bridges of Light National Sojourners, Inc. 29
Summary For more information about our programs or to schedule one of our programs please contact us as follows: National Secretary Brother Major Nelson Newcombe (703) 765-5000 E-Mail: nationalsoj@juno.com National Sojourners, Inc. 30
National Sojourners, Inc. Service to the Craft National Sojourners, Inc. 31