Anaheim Masonic Lodge No. 207

Brethren,

The Month of May offers us several unique holidays, including May Day and Loyalty Day, V-E Day, Nurse's Day, Mother's Day, Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day.

We start the month with festivals across the country (and northern Europe) marking the end of the unfarmable winter half of the year and anticipation of the coming Summer with many celebrations that end with dancing around the Maypole or crowning a Queen of the May.

May 1st is also Loyalty Day in the United States.  While many Presidents - including Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford and John F. Kennedy - have made official proclamations on this day over the years, the day is not widely known or observed.  Loyalty Day is an American holiday observed May 1st every year.  It is a day set aside for the reaffirmation of loyalty to our great Country - the United States of America, and for the recognition of the rich heritage of American freedom.  Ronald Reagan, in his 1981 Proclamation wrote, "One of the great treasures of America is the unity of its people. No nation is composed of citizens with such diverse cultural, racial and religious backgrounds as is the United States of America. And while the unique contributions of each segment of our population are important, the significant fact remains that each of us, whatever background, remains loyal to the Nation and to the ideals of freedom for which it stands."

May continues as a month of reflection, with three holidays that honor our military, their commitment and their sacrifice. V-E Day on May 8th, which commemorates the end of aggression in Europe during World War II.  The German army ceased hostilities on May 2nd, and formally surrendered on May 7th.  The 3rd Saturday in May is Armed Forces Day, which is a day to remember all the men and women of our armed forces in all branches of service (Army, Air Force, Navy Marines and Coast Guard) who protect our great nation.  Memorial Day, the last Monday in May, is a day set aside to commemorate all of our United States soldiers who died while in military service.  This day was originally enacted to honor soldiers of the American Civil war, but was extended after World War I to honor all American soldiers who have lost their lives in war.

And, finally, Mother's Day.  The history of Mother's Day in America is an interesting one.  It was a day created by Anna Jarvis as a day tor celebrate motherhood.  And that is something that we, as Masons should always do.  Without our mothers, we wouldn't be part of this great fraternity.  We wouldn't be the men we are today without their love, care and tenderness.  Towards the end of her life, Anna Jarvis ended up hating the commercialism that became attached to this "Hallmark Holiday," citing that she created the holiday to honor one's mother.  This month, rather than continuing to make this a banner year for the sales of flowers, greeting cards and chocolates, make sure you truly remember what your mother did for you, and honor her for being your mom.

May peace and harmony be with you daily,

Ray Dailey
Senior Warden