Memorial Day!

Did you know?

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers.

Memorial Day officially became a federal holiday in 1971.

Reference: http://www.history.com/topics/memorial-day-history

Mother's Day!

Did you know?

The highest officially recorded number of children born to one mother is 69, to the first wife of Feodor Vassilyev (1707-1782) of Shuya, Russia. Between 1725 and 1765, in a total of 27 confinements. She gave birth to 16 pairs of twins, 7 sets of triplets, and 4 sets of quadruplets. 67 of them survived infancy.

Reference: http://www.mothersdaycelebration.com/mothers-day-trivia.html

DeMolay International - Supreme Council & Congress Session

The 91st Anniversary of DeMolay International; the 90th Annual DeMolay International Supreme Council (ISC) Session and the 43rd Annual International Congress Session will be held in Dallas, TX from June 16th - 19th. DeMolay International is a Masonic youth group for young men that is dedicated to preparing young men between the ages of 12 and 21 to lead successful, happy and productive lives.

This annual event hosts an array of fun activities and events to include the election of ISC officers for the upcoming year. The ISC serves as the governing body of DeMolay International. A Grand Master and four other elected officers provide leadership for DeMolay International. In addition, the ISC is the authority on all matters relating to Chapters, Advisory Councils, members, charters, finances, Rituals, disputes, appeals and complaints. Ultimately, this governing body is a very important part of the continued success of DeMolay International. It is a great honor and privilege to serve on the ISC as an elected officer especially as the Grandmaster of DeMolay International, and New Mexico has something to be especially proud about during this years ISC & Congress Session.

RWB Wesley Thornton

Our very own Grand Treasurer Wesley Thornton will have the honor of serving as the DeMolay Grandmaster for 2010-2011. RWB Thornton currently serves on the DeMolay ISC as the Grand Senior Councilor and will be installed as Grandmaster during this year’s ISC & Congress Session in Dallas.

RWB Thornton is a fourth generation Master Mason within the Grand Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of New Mexico. He is a Past Master of Estancia Lodge No. 33 & Edgewood Lodge No. 82 and served as Deputy District Grand Master (District 5). Most recently RWB Thornton was re-elected as Grand Treasurer at the 133rd New Mexico Grand Lodge Annual Communication in Carlsbad, NM.

The confidence and trust members of DeMolay International have placed with RWB Thornton is well deserved, and we would like to extend its congratulations and best wishes to RWB Thornton for his upcoming year as DeMolay Grandmaster.

Cinco de Mayo!

Did you know?

Cinco de Mayo (the fifth of May) commemorates the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the French-Mexican War.

Reference: http://www.history.com/topics/cinco-de-mayo

Memorial Day Parade - Rio Rancho

Rio Rancho will be having a Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 31st. There will be Masonic participation in this parade (hosted by Sandoval 76), and brethren are encouraged to come out and show their support.

The scheduled time to meet at Sandoval 76 is 8am the morning of the parade. Clothing for this event is casual with walking shoes, and there will be a float to ride in case anyone has any issues walking during the parade. At the conclusion of the parade there will be a Masonic picnic at Haynes Park (across from Intel) that is being hosted by the Sojourners of Sandoval 76.

Invite you friends, family and Veterans to come out and enjoy the fun!