The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), which oversees Freemasonry in England and Wales, had signed the Armed Forces Covenant in October 2021, a pledge to support those who served, or had served, in the Armed Forces, and their families.
Since then, UGLE’s commitment had been recognised with the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award, the highest honour given to organisations that went above and beyond to support the Armed Forces community.
To mark this commitment, Freemasons from across the country gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on Saturday 1 November for a National Service of Remembrance at The Masonic Memorial Garden.
In the lead-up to the service, members of the Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association (WSMBA) travelled across the UK, collecting wreaths from every Masonic Province. These wreaths were brought together and laid at the Arboretum by senior Masonic representatives in a moving act of remembrance.
Cambridgeshire Freemasons took part, represented by a the AssProvGM, Jonathan Lambert, a wreath bearer, and W.Bro. Clapperton a standard bearer, all of whom joined the official procession. The AssProvGM Jonathan Lambert stated: “Cambridgeshire Freemasons were immensely proud to stand alongside the Armed Forces community at this national act of remembrance. This occasion allowed us to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country, and to reaffirm our ongoing commitment to supporting veterans, serving personnel, and their families.”
For Cambridgeshire, the journey began on 23rd September, when the Cambridgeshire Province Wreath was ceremonially collected from the AssProvGM, Jonathan Lambert and the memorial contingent beside the City of Ely War Memorial by the WSMBA. The wreath remained in their safekeeping for transportation to the National Arboretum where, on Saturday 1 November, it was reunited with the memorial contingent in preparation for the ceremony.
A moving service followed with hymns, poems and blessings, all of which were enhanced by music from the Gresley Colliery Brass Band. The procession of over 90 officials and dignitaries, including the Assistant Grand Master of UGLE, the National Chair of the Royal British Legion, Warrant Officer Johnson Beharry VC COG, and the Province of Cambridgeshire contingent, moved solemnly to the Masonic Memorial Garden for the wreath-laying and final prayers.
A hot fork buffet followed, along with the unique opportunity to meet and forge new friendships with like-minded people from across the UK.
This event provided a unique foundation for Freemasons to publicly honour the bravery and sacrifices of the Armed Forces and to show continued support for those who had served.
