The Beehive

On January 20, 2009, we witnessed the inauguration of an American President. The inauguration was historic in that Barack Obama is the first African-American President in our history. Not surprisingly, there has been much discussion about this presidency being the fulfillment of the vision and sacrifice of another President from Illinois, Abraham Lincoln, who issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862.

I am happy to report that the 44th President of the United States indirectly paid homage to our fraternity in his Inaugural Address. In Masonry we stress cardinal virtues; that is: temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice. In his speech, President Obama delivered these words:

"Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint." (Emphasis added).

February is President's month, when we take time to celebrate the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Let us remember the legacy of Abraham Lincoln at this historic time and let us also celebrate George Washington. Washington served as the first President of the United States of America from 1789-1797 (he belonged to Alexandria Lodge 22, and was named the lodge's Charter Master in 1788). In a sense, Washington's presidency laid the cornerstone for our democratic union. Not all presidents were Masons and, in fact, Gerald Ford was the last of many Masonic presidents. However, as a fraternity we should take pride that the words of Barack Obama in his Inaugural Address echo Masonic values and reveal the enduring influence of our Masonic principles.

Fraternally, Paul D. Rosenberger