My appointment as Marshal at Unity No. 146 was more than just a step into the officer line. It represented a major milestone in my personal evolution.
I grew up as a Jehovah’s Witness, and my childhood was shaped by a very specific set of beliefs regarding national symbols and public service. In that faith, the act of pledging to a flag, honoring veterans in a formal capacity, or serving in public office is something that is avoided to maintain religious neutrality.
As an adult, my path has led me toward a different conviction—one that finds deep meaning in community service and the honoring of our nation’s history.
The Marshal and the Flag
The primary duty of the Lodge Marshal is to carry and present the American Flag. Holding the “colors”, I couldn’t help but reflect on the contrast. The very act of presenting the flag—something that would have been unthinkable in my youth—has become a cornerstone of my fraternal life.
It isn’t just about the fabric; it’s about what it represents: the veterans who sacrificed to protect our right to meet in peace, and the community that I now serve so passionately. For someone who was once taught to remain separate from these traditions, being the one chosen to guard them is a powerful full-circle moment.
Serving the Public
This contrast extends beyond the Lodge room. My upbringing didn’t include the idea of “public office,” yet today, I am so deeply involved in local life. I have embraced a life of civic and fraternal leadership. I’ve found that serving my community and honoring those who serve our country don’t diminish my spiritual life—they expand it.
Who I Have Become
Masonry is often described as a system of “making good men better.” Part of that process involves looking at where you came from and deciding who you want to be.
Carrying the flag as Marshal wasn’t just a ceremonial requirement; it was a quiet, personal celebration of my freedom to choose my own path. It was a reminder that while our past shapes us, it need not define us. I have learned that there is great joy in standing up for the things—and the people—you believe in.
