BROTHERHOOD

Traveling Man – GEORGE WASHINGTON NATIONAL MASONIC MEMORIAL

the world’s oldest fraternity

Since relocating to Washington, DC on Memorial Day Weekend 2021, I have been taking in many of the national and Masonic landmarks, museums, and tours available in the Nation’s Capital. Last weekend, I made my first trip to the George Washington National Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia.
In American Freemasonry, no figure stands taller than George Washington. Hero of the Revolutionary War, Founding Father, the first citizen to hold the office of President of the United States of America; Bro. Washington’s credentials are unmatched. However, this Memorial highlights the history of George Washington, the Mason, a story that is less familiar with many Americans.
From the impressive position of the memorial building, placed high upon the terrain in Alexandria to the immaculate, grand hall, there is a unique blend of architecture, art, and history that captures the contributions Bro. Washington made to our Beloved Craft. What was personally rewarding for myself was, my visit just happened to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the ground-breaking of the site, on Sunday, June 5, 2022. Our tour guide noted the significance and reminded the group that the 100th anniversary of the cornerstone laying, historic re-enactment event will be held Monday, February 20, 2023, an event that organizers hope to mark with thousands of Freemasons in attendance.
Below are images that I captured during my tour. Stay tuned to Craftsmen Online for 2023 Cornerstone Event photos!
Bro. Michael Arce
Co-Founder, Craftsmen Online
Mount Vernon #3, Albany, New York
JW, St. John’s #11, Washington, DC