“Use no reproachful language against any one, neither curse nor revile.” -- W.B. George Washington, First President of the United States of America.

Dear Brethren:

February 22 is the anniversary of the birth of one of America’s greatest Freemasons. I personally feel that George Washington has been the greatest American Mason to date. You might agree or disagree with me. I think most Americans really do not know a great deal about him and what he did for our nation and maybe, our schools should spend more time teaching our youth about this great leader. I am sure that there are people who would object to teaching about his life, political philosophy, and personal virtues. Imagine exposing children to concepts such as morality, liberty, virtue, and the Creator. It is not truly possible to study the origins of the United States without studying the relationship between God and liberty – a relationship that the “Founding Fathers” understood implicitly. That we are a nation “under God” was so obvious to George Washington and his peers that they felt little need to belabor it in their debates about the Constitution. Their concept of separation of church and state did not envision a wall between God and state. Their focus was on the need to avoid a state-established religion, like the one that so infringed on the religious liberty of their forebears in England.

It has taken the United States the good part of two centuries to fulfill the promise of the Declaration of Independence – that all men and women, regardless of race and resources, are created equal. But let’s be honest about the origin of the promise. It came directly from the belief that God created humankind in his image. We are all equal because we are all created in the image of God. This was Washington’s belief. If that belief is somehow unconstitutional, we might as well go back to England.

What other radical thoughts might our children learn if we required them to study George Washington? They most certainly would hear about the concept of sin. Washington is quoted in saying, “Let your recreation be manful not sinful.” Washington felt strongly that good conduct was the foundation of character, which was essential for a morally virtuous nation. In his “Farewell Address” Washington stated, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great Pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and citizens.”

He was a God loving man. He was an honest man. He was a leader. In all that Washington did and said, he was a Mason. Children today know more about people who have much to be desired – let’s teach our youth about a man who truly made a difference in our nation. I would like every child in our nation to know Brother Washington – a true national hero.

Happy Birthday Brother George Washington.

Fraternally,
John Lacki, Jr.
Worshipful Master