This will probably be the last of the series of articles written for the Craft by me as my term in office is coming to an end shortly. However, I wish to ask you a question. What is the noblest calling one can receive? I have thought about that question many times since being installed as Grand Master. I want to thank each of you for your prayers, support and acts of kindness. I am truly humbled to be serving in this high office.
I know that together, we can accomplish great things while helping our fellowman. It will take each of us working together with a commitment to keep the lines of communication open, thus ensuring we listen and talk with each other while remaining united to make a difference because we were here.
As I have reflected on those in our communities who give of themselves daily I have pondered the question, what is the noblest calling one can receive? Perhaps it is to become a teacher, serve in the military, and be in public service as a school board member, fireman, policeman or perhaps a first responder. Let us never forget the 911 responders. And let us not forget the calling to be a spouse, parent, or to become the President of the United States.
Let us take a look at a masonic brother who became the 33rd President of the United States. I have always admired President Truman, particularly the way he handled adversity. During his first weeks as Vice President, Truman scarcely saw President Roosevelt and received no briefings on the development of the atomic bomb or the developing difficulties with The Soviet Union. The winds of change would swiftly cause these and a host of other wartime tribulations to become Truman’s duty to solve when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt died in office.
On April 12, 1945, Harry S. Truman became our 33rd President of the United States of America. Shortly after taking the oath of office, Truman said to reporters, “Boys, if you ever pray, pray for me now. I don’t know if you fellas ever had a load of hay fall on you, but when they told me what happened yesterday, I felt like the moon, the stars, and all the planets had fallen on me.”
Brother Truman’s noble calling began in 1884 when Harry S. Truman was born in Lamar, Missouri. Truman did not have a middle name. In southern states, including Missouri, parents typically used initials rather than a middle name. He grew up in Independence, and for 12 years prospered as a Missouri farmer through hard work and dedication. Truman would enter The Great War as a Captain in the Field Artillery and served in France.
Over four years the Great War would leave in its wake a toll of death, carnage and destruction such as the world had never seen. World War I would forever shape the 20th century and leave its mark upon Truman and those who served at home and abroad. Returning from The Great War, he married Elizabeth Virginia Wallace and opened a men’s clothing store in Kansas City. Active in the Democratic Party, in 1922 Truman was elected a judge of the Jackson County Court. Eventually in 1934 Truman would hear the calling to become a Senator. During World War II he headed the Senate war investigating committee, who was task with checking into waste and corruption. It has been estimated that Truman saved our government an estimated cost of 15 billion dollars.
President Truman made some of the most decisive decisions in history. Soon after V-E Day, the war against Japan had reached its final stage. Allied Forces issued an urgent plea for Japan to surrender, which was promptly rejected by the Empire of Japan. President Truman, after consultations with his advisers, ordered atomic bombs dropped on cities devoted to Japan’s war effort. The two cities selected were Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Japanese surrender quickly followed. In June 1945 Truman witnessed the signing of the charter of the United Nations.
Until this time, President Truman had followed his predecessor’s policies, but he soon developed his own. He presented to Congress a 21-point program, proposing the expansion of Social Security, a full-employment program, a permanent Fair Employment Practices Act, and public housing and slum clearance. Truman wrote this program, “symbolizes for me my assumption of the office of President in my own right.” It became known as the “Fair Deal.”
In 1947 President Truman would face re-election and he would have to campaign for the office of President. In foreign affairs Truman’s life experiences provided his most effective leadership for the American people. President Truman’s second term would be marked with many social and foreign affair challenges. In 1952 President Truman would decide not to accept the nomination of his party for President. Weary and worn from the conflicts of politics and burdens he had faced President Truman retired to Independence; and at age 88, he died on December 26, 1972, “after a stubborn fight for life”. President Truman’s life or what may be called his “body of work” was committed to “do that which is right”. His obituary read “He left a major mark as a world leader”.
Regardless of your station in life, are you committed to do that which is right? Often this will be a willingness to answer a call and accept a position of service. We each must be willing to break new ground and get out of our comfort zone.
Breakthroughs require commitment, engagement and imagination. Leaders should embrace their calling like President Truman and commit themselves to have their “body of work” stand for that which is right. When faced with adversity look for new ideas, insights and ways to solve the problems we are facing – get out of the box. I challenge each of you to commit yourselves to make your “body of work” stand for that which is right. Our communities, state, nation and world are facing many challenges and difficulties. Our fraternity has the capability to make a difference. This will only occur when the craft challenges itself to rediscover, the wonder and curiosity of their youth. Are we willing to go beyond our self-imposed boundaries and help those in need?
One of the most memorable poems ever written is “In Flanders Fields”. Trench warfare had left its toll upon Europe and literally churned up the soil. Therefore in May of 1915, McCrae sat down for a 5 minute rest period and in anguish wrote his poem. “Flanders Fields” was literally born in fire and blood during the hottest phase of the second battle of Ypres during World War I, with the wild poppies bursting forth from the ditches and graves on the battlefield.
As Grand Master I ask you to plow new ground. Cultivate new Ideas. Reach beyond your comfort zone. Take time for internal reflection and evaluate your body of work. Remember breakthroughs require commitment, engagement and imagination.
Let the poppies remind you of the sacrifices our service men and women have made for our Great Nation. Remember – freedom is not free. The time has come for this generation to have their body of work stand for that which is right.
Earlier I asked you, what is the noblest calling one can receive? I suggest to you that the noblest calling you can receive it is to realize and achieve your potential. To be the best that you can be. To be “Always Faithful” to God, to our country, to our wounded and fallen heroes.
Just as President Harry S. Truman inherited what seemed to be impossible tasks with insurmountable obstacles, he kept the faith and persevered. He faced his calling to lead our nation by not giving up and made some tough decisions. Truman practiced a popularized phrase, “the buck stops here”; which was on a sign on his desk in the Oval Office referring to the fact that the President has to make decisions and accept the ultimate responsibility for those decisions. That phrase is the motto of the U.S. Naval Aircraft Carrier – USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) – in active military service today.
Like President Truman, we should not run away from our calling. Accept the challenges before us and meet them head on. Change the things that we can change, accept the things that we cannot and seek the wisdom to know the difference; however, we should always just do what is right. To be “Always Faithful” to God, to our country, to our wounded and fallen heroes. Failure is not an option – be a Builder.
My term in office is coming to an end. Shortly the question will be asked, “What is the time?” Brethren, words fail me in expressing my appreciation and gratitude for you in allowing me to serve you as Grand Master this past year. I have done my best with the limitations that I had. I thank you for your forgiveness of any shortcomings. Remember Brethren, no matter the situation or obstacle – be Always Faithful – be a builder – I thank you for the honor of serving as your Grand Master this past year – Semper Fi.
Fraternally,
Kenneth E. Dyer
Grand Master
