“WE WERE THERE”
Remembering and honoring all American soldiers lost in combat and conflict.
Photo: WB Michael “Mick” A. DellaValle III, Ancient Temple Lodge No 14, Albany, New York and New York Masonic War Veterans, salutes a Masonic Veterans grave as part of the Old 17th District’s Memorial Day Rememberance Event. (May 23, 2026)
We were there
When we won the War of 1812,
When our country fought brother versus brother,
Belleau Wood,
Normandy,
The rice paddies of Vietnam,
The desert of Iraq,
We were there.
But we are no longer there.
Though no longer among the living,
Taken from the field of battle,
On the wings of the Valkyrie,
To Valhalla,
To Heaven,
To Paradise,
The Fiddlers Green,
Or whatever you call it;
We were there,
But now we stand watch,
Ever vigilant,
In a house not made with hands,
Eternal in the Heavens.
Though we no longer live among you,
Though long since departed,
We ask this of you:
Remember us.
Written by: VW Daniel J Martin, 32°
Assistant Grand Lecturer, Old 17th Masonic District, Grand Lodge of New York
Worshipful Master, Bethlehem Lodge No 85, Delmar, New York
Past Most Wise Master, Rosecroix, Valley of Albany, New York, AASR, NMJ
Treasurer, Ancient Temple 5, Albany, New York, RAM
Brother, Charles Harry Copestake Council 69, AMD
Fellow, Grand College of Rites
