Met Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum
On 1st November, Metropolitan Grand Lodge organised a National Service of Remembrance at the Masonic Memorial Garden, part of the National Memorial Arboretum, in order to keep in our minds the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
We are delighted to publish the following address, as given by RW Bro John Thompson AGM (Assistant Grand Master).
“Good morning, ladies, gentlemen and Brethren.
On behalf of the United Grand Lodge of England and Metropolitan Grand Lodge, may I welcome you all to the Masonic Memorial Garden here at the National Memorial Arboretum, for this Act of Remembrance.
We gather in this place of peace and reflection to honour the memory of Freemasons from across the provinces, districts, and Lodges who have served their country – and to remember with pride and gratitude those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of freedom.
We are especially honoured this morning to welcome Brigadier Barry Smith CBE, representing His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, and Ms Lynda Atkins, the National Chair of the Royal British Legion.
This memorial stands as a lasting tribute to those Brethren who, guided by Masonic principles, gave their service, and in so many cases, their lives in the defence of others.
We commemorate their demonstration of our shared values of integrity of self, friendship through the bonds of pride, respect for each other, including our differences and service to self, to friend, to Brother, to nation, to King, and to God.
As we come together today, united in remembrance, we do so not only as Freemasons, but as members of a grateful nation to remember the fallen of all conflicts, to give thanks for their courage, and to reaffirm our commitment to peace, service, and humanity. I invite you all to join in a moment of quiet reflection to honour the memory of the departed, to support those who still serve, and to renew our shared pledge: that we will remember them.”
This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 59 – Christmas 2025.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.
Read more articles in Arena Issue 59 here.
Get Arena stories direct to your phone with the Arena App, available for Apple and Android smartphones here:
