1st Degree
Remembrance Day Poppy Appeal
5th November 2007

Our Brother's in arms are remembered in these field's, they live on in our minds and in the memories of those they loved. Their example also signals to coming generations of servicemen and women that much is expected of them. comradeship lies at the very core of our creed as servicemen and women, Comradeship, in its true military sense, implies self-sacrifice. We remember these men and women for their youthfulness, courage and character. For those who knew them, they will always be part of our lives.

Brethren, Monday 5th November 2007 ... A very special meeting, not only for the candidate but for us all, a chance to remember our dead ...
We (Bearsted Lodge) are hosting a Remembrance Day Poppy Appeal, please join us (next year) ... The meeting in the temple is the same, after at the Festive board the usual toasts are given ... just before the Tyler's toast the last post was played on the piano by W. Bro Colin Cockran, W.Bro Bill Head (our Tyler) will gave the eulogy. The lodge raffle money (£350.00) will be donated to "The Royal British Legion" ... Bearsted Lodge will donate an extra £100.00.

Meeting started at 5.30pm ... we sat down to dine at 7.30/45pm ...

Bearsted Lodge: Lodge donated £100.00 + £350 raffle money
Derwent Lodge (Sussex) £285.00 raffle money
Maeides Stana Lodge £50.00
Total to The Royal British Legion ... £785.00

WHY WEAR A POPPY?

"PLEASE WEAR A POPPY", The Lady Said,
and held one forth, but I shook my head.
Then I stopped and watched as she offered
them there, And her face was old and lined with care;

But beneath the scars the years had made,
There remained a smile that refused to fade.
A boy came whistling down the street.
Bouncing along on care-free feet.

His smile was full of joy and fun.
"Lady said he, "May I Have One"?.
When she'd pinned it on, he turned to say;
Why do we wear a poppy to-day.

The Lady smiled in her wistful way.
And answered: This is Remembrance Day.
"And the Poppy there is a symbol for
the Gallant men who Died in the War.

"And because they did, you and I are Free-
That's why we wear a Poppy, you see.
I had a boy about your size, with golden hair
and big blue eyes.

He Loved to play and jump and shout.
Free as a bird, he learned and grew,
and became a man - as you will to

He was fine and strong, with a boyish smile.
But he's seemed with us such a little while.
When War broke out and he went away, I still 
remember his face to this day.

"His Letters told of the awful fight.
(I can still see it in my dreams at night)
With the tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire,
And the mines and bullets, and bombs and fire".

"Till at last, at last, the war was won –
And that's why we wear a poppy, son".
The small boy turned as if to go.
He said: "Thanks Lady" I'm glad to know.

"That sure did sound like an awful fight"
But your son - did he come back alright?.
A tear rolled down each faded cheek:
She shook her head, but did not speak.

I slunk away in a sort of shame.
And if you were me, you'd have done the same;
For our thanks, in giving, is oft delayed.
Though our Freedom was Bought - and THOUSANDS PAID!

And so, when we see a poppy worn,
Let us reflect on the burden borne.
By those who gave their very all.
When asked to answer their Country's call.
That we at Home in Peace might live.
Then wear a poppy! REMEMBER GIVE.

SPARE A THOUGHT

They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

'FOR YOUR TOMORROW WE GAVE OUR TODAY'