The Rededication of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial’s Cornerstone
The following is a story regarding the George Washington Masonic National Memorial’s February 20th, 2023 Cornerstone rededication.
The George Washington National Memorial is a treasure, both as a monument to Freemasonry and to American history.
The memorial’s vision is to “inspire humanity through education
to emulate and promote the virtues, character, and vision of George Washington, the Man, the Mason, and Father of our Country.”
Any Freemason who can make it to the rededication should 100% do so-it will be a very special event!
In fact, it is not an “event” but rather a series of events-starting February 17th, 2023 with meetings and tours.
If you can’t make it to the rededication, the Memorial is an excellent destination year-round (both for Freemasons and non-Freemasons) and would make an excellent Masonic outing.
You can also learn about the George Washington National Masonic Memorial through its website.
A National Masonic Event, February 20, 2023
Join brothers from around the world to re-dedicate the cornerstone of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. The Memorial is a National Historic Landmark that stands as American Freemasonry’s vital tribute to George Washington and the values of freedom. Each year, thousands of museum guests visit the Memorial to learn about Washington and Freemasonry, and to become inspired by the great heritage left to us by the Father of our Country… and our nation’s foremost Freemason.
The original celebration of the cornerstone was a national Masonic event. Over 10,000 Freemasons attended the Memorial’s cornerstone laying in 1923. President Calvin Coolidge watched as the very trowel that George Washington once used to lay the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol was pressed into labor again.
“The centennial of that spectacular event is nearly upon us, and it is our great pleasure to extend to you a cordial invitation to a special re-dedication of our cornerstone on February 20, 2023,” explained Ken Nagel, Past Grand Master of California and the First Vice President of the Memorial Association. “This will be an opportunity for supporters of the Memorial from around the world to join in a Celebration both of the Memorial’s past as well as its future in the century to come.”
We at Square & Compass ecourage every Mason who is in the area (or who can make it to the area) to take part in this special rededication.
The time is now to celebrate the Memorial’s timeless legacy. Please join brethren from around the country in February 2023 and become part of the Memorial’s second century of making history.
Schedule of Events
Meetings and Tours — Friday, February 17 through Sunday, February 19, 2023
- The Memorial welcomes Lodges and other Masonic groups to attend and participate. Beginning Friday, February 17, through Sunday, February 19, Lodges that wish to hold a meeting in the Memorial may reserve time slots within the Memorial. Popular speakers such as Mark Tabbert and Shawn Eyer will be available to provide an appropriate message upon request.
Parade and Cornerstone Rededication Event — Monday, February 20, 2023
- All Grand Lodges, Lodges, Masonic groups, and Freemasons in amity with the Grand Lodge of Virginia may participate in the Parade from historic Old Town Alexandria up to the Memorial’s beautiful grounds. The Parade steps off at 1:00 p.m. Registration is required to march in the parade.
- The Rededication Ceremony takes place at 3:30 p.m. All individuals attending the events of February 20, 2023, should register on the Memorial’s website. This event is free, but registration is required.
Annual Washington’s Birthday Gala — Wednesday, February 22, 2023
- This elegant formal event will, as always, include a reception in Memorial Hall, entertainment in the Theater, and a Gala Banquet in Grand Masonic Hall. Tickets are available on the Memorial’s website.
How to Register
Visit https://www.gwmemorial.org/2023 to register for any or all of the above events.