Cambridgeshire Freemasons Attend National Remembrance Event

Members of the Cambridgeshire Freemasons took part in a national remembrance service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on November 1.

They attended the event to show support for the Armed Forces community. Since the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) signed the Armed Forces Covenant in October 2021, it has received the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award—the highest honour granted to organisations supporting the Armed Forces community.

Cambridgeshire Freemasons were represented by a senior provincial dignitary, a wreath bearer, and a standard bearer, who all joined the official procession.

Jonathan Lambert, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Cambridgeshire, said: "Cambridgeshire Freemasons were immensely proud to stand alongside the Armed Forces community at this national act of remembrance. This occasion allowed us to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country, and to reaffirm our ongoing commitment to supporting veterans, serving personnel, and their families."

The journey began on September 23, when the Cambridgeshire Province Wreath was collected from Jonathan Lambert and the memorial contingent beside the City of Ely War Memorial. The Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association (WSMBA) then kept the wreath safe for transport to the National Arboretum.

During the service, members of the WSMBA, who had travelled across the UK collecting wreaths from every Masonic Province, handed the wreaths to senior Masonic representatives to be laid at the Arboretum.

The ceremony featured hymns, poems, blessings, and music performed by the Gresley Colliery Brass Band. More than 90 officials and dignitaries joined the procession to the Masonic Memorial Garden.

This act of remembrance gave the Freemasons a public opportunity to honour the bravery and sacrifices of the Armed Forces, and demonstrate their ongoing support.