Brethren,

As St. John's Day in Winter is upon us, we are reminded of the Masonic importance of light and renewal.  While the day bears the name selected by the Christian founders of the Craft, it has come to encompass universal concepts that have been recognized and honored by almost every culture and religion of man.  We celebrate the shortest - and darkest - day of the year, to honor the plan of the Grand Artificer of the Universe.  His Grand Design assures us that in our darkest hours, we can have hope of greater light, warmth and sustenance as we progress toward the renewal of spring.  That renewal is mirrored within our Lodges, which are reenergized with the sprit of new challenges, and a renewed commitment to meet them in this new Masonic Century.

The light of this season is not only reflected in the heavens but in our hearts.  As we contemplate "the stupendous revolutions" of the planets, we also contemplate our own conduct, rejecting that which is base and unworthy in ourselves, and committing ourselves to a personal renewal of spirit.  That renewal is found in the warmth of fraternal care that we show each other, as we transmit the tenets of our craft to the next generation of Masons.  And it goes beyond the tiler's door.  It is found in the warmth of charity and love that we spread throughout our communities, as we remember to provide some part of our own bounty for those less fortunate.  Most of all, the light we spread is found in our families, with the dawning of understanding that we see in the eyes of our children and grandchildren as we teach them the significance of this season.

To each and every Mason of our Grand Lodge and to your families, Susan and I wish the full measure of the joy that this season can hold.  May your holidays be filled with love, and the spirit of St. John's Day in Winter sustain you with the promise of renewal and light.

Yours in the Craft,
Joseph S. Crociata
Grand Master  

Arlington National Cemetery is one of the country’s most sacred shrines honoring our nations’ Veterans who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom while serving in past and present conflicts.  At 10:15am on December 10, 2011, the Grand Master will perform a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington’s Tomb of the Unknowns.  This moving ceremony is in memoriam of all of our nation’s fallen soldiers, many of whom were Masonic Brethren, all of whom were Brother and Sister Patriots.  

This event is open to the public. Please feel free to invite family and friends.  All visitors wishing to observe the ceremony should arrive at the Tomb of the Unknowns approximately 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.  The dress code for spectators should be weather appropriate and in consideration of Arlington’s dignified atmosphere.

What:                Tomb of the Unknowns Wreath Laying
When:                 December 10, 2011, 10:15am
Where:                Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers
Parking:        Visitors’ Center has paid parking, Metro Accessible
Dress:                 Winter Weather Appropriate

For additional information, please contact Dustin Rawlins at Dustin.Rawlins@SingletonLodge.com.

On December 10, 2011, the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia will partner with Wreaths Across America to place nearly 100,000 wreaths on the graves at Arlington National Cemetery.  We need as many volunteers as possible to assist in this effort, so please invite your family, friends, and Brethren to attend.

All volunteers should arrive at the cemetery between 8-8:30 am to receive a briefing address. The briefing will contain information regarding some of the basic guidelines to follow as far as the cemetery is concerned. Volunteers will then be instructed to go to the trucks to get wreaths for placement in assigned cemetery sections.  The Wreaths Across America volunteer event does not have a dress code; however, participants should dress warmly, keeping in mind the spirit of Arlington’s dignified atmosphere.

Please feel free to contact dustin.rawlins@singletonlodge.com for additional information.  So we may have an accurate count of volunteers, please take a moment to sign up at http://bit.ly/GLDC-WreathLaying.

What:                Wreaths Across America
When:                 December 10, 2011
Where:                Arlington National Cemetery
Parking:        Visitors’ Center has paid parking, Metro Accessible
Dress:                 Winter Weather Appropriate
RSVP:                 http://bit.ly/GLDC-WreathLaying

Dustin R. Rawlins
Aide to the Grand Master
Chair, 2011 Grand Lodge Community Outreach Committee
Dustin.Rawlins@singletonlodge.com