On October 11, 2018, the Worshipful Master and five members of Alpha Lodge met at Old Post Chapel, Fort Myer, for the service of Brother and Colonel Lee Dickson, after which Brother Dickson was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
The fact that the members of Alpha Lodge had never met Brother Dickson in person, and that only a handful of the brothers had the pleasure to have spoken to Brother Dickson during our regular calls to members, was not of consequence. This was going to be both an emotional and poignent day, but also a day where the light of Freemasonry and humanity shines brightly.
As family filed in from Florida, Hawaii, and West Virginia, the brethren of Alpha Lodge were pleasantly surprised to be greeted by Jim Orgettas, who had been directed by our Grandmaster to represent the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts at the service. While it should be no surpise, this gesture meant the world not only to the family but to our lodge. Additionally, military members from Boston as well as Washington arrived to see off the Colonel.
A service filled with mentions of commendations, awards, and praise ensued, with the distant, flawless echo of the military band outside.
Shortly after the graveside service, the members of Alpha Lodge were approach by other gentlemen, veterans who had come to pay their respects. "Air Cav. Vietnam. I'm sorry for your loss Brother," followed by a big hug from this stranger, and, through teary eyes he said, "This is a special place. I've come from Wisconsin, but being here has somehow made the world a very small place. We need to stick together. You take care. I'm sorry for your loss." The act was stirring and beautiful.
The Masonic Service was performed at Patton Hall, in conjunction with Alpha Lodge, by Freedom Military Lodge #1775, from which a new friendship between Alpha and our brothers from Freedom Military Lodge and Hiram-Tacoma Lodge #10 has formed.
After the service, the brethren of Alpha Lodge were invited to attend the regular communication of Hiram-Tacoma Lodge #10. In a twist of fate, the Worshipful Master, Brother Scott Jacobs was presenting an educational talk about the revolutionary war and the battles at Concord and Lexington.