News

Grand Gesture for Greatest Generation

Lodges throughout the state are devoting resources and volunteers to Operation Greatest Gift, making it possible for hundreds of veterans to travel to Washington, D.C. to see their World War II Memorial.

Oakland Durant Rockridge Lodge
No. 188 is among them. Besides a donation of $10,000 – 10 times the lodge's typical contribution to a grand master’s project – members are showing support with another kind of contribution: their time.

Twelve members have already volunteered to accompany an Operation Greatest Gift trip. As a result, the May 12-15 trip will be staffed entirely by ODR Lodge "guardians."

The outpouring of support was prompted by ODR Lodge veterans, who led a call to action to their lodge.

“We did this out of respect for our World War II vets and how much Operation Greatest Gift means to them,” says Secretary Lawrence Altomare. “Considering how much this group contributed to our lodge and to Masonry in general, it’s the least we can do.”



If you are a Mason, submit names to your lodge secretary for

• Masons who are World War II veterans who would like to be considered for a trip to the Memorial
• Masons or non-Masons who are over 18 and interested in accompanying a trip as a volunteer guardian