Page 28 - Sojourner Newsletter-Fall 2025v2

28 THE SOJOURNER

CLARENCE H. COHEN CHAPTER #162 / GENERAL OGLETHORPE CAMP, Brian C. Coffey, Secretary.

On Independence Day, July 4, 2025, members of Clarence H. Cohen Chapter #162, General Oglethorpe Camp and Camp
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Followers conducted the 15 Annual Signers Monument Celebration. This is held at the Signers Monument in
downtown Augusta, an Obelisk dedicated to the three Signers of the Declaration of Independence from Georgia. Two of
them, Dr. Lyman Hall and George Walton are interred there, Button Gwinnet’s remains could not be located, so he is not
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there. At 0900 on July 4 (it was just getting hot!) we posted the Colors in front of over 100 assembled guests, Masons
and appendant bodies and other patriotic organizations. The Summerville String Quintet played the National Anthem;
the Scouts led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and PP/PC Jack Goldenberg gave the Toast to the Flag. National Chaplain,
Thom Davies, PP/PC, C33, led us in the opening prayer. Chapter President, Lloyd McCoy, PC, gave opening remarks
and introduced the Mayor of Augusta, Garnett L. Johnson, who welcomed the participants and thanked us for having this
event and keeping the Founders in our public discourse. Brother President McCoy then introduced our Keynote Speaker,
Mr. Eric Montgomery, Executive Director, Historic Augusta who gave an interesting presentation. After the
presentation, the names of all Signers of the Declaration of Independence were read by Brother Priest Perry as the
children present rang a bell to honor the Signers. The Summerville Quintet entertained us with a melody of patriotic
songs. Members of the Chapter and Camp laid a Wreath at the Monument followed by other patriotic and veteran’s
groups, then Masonic Lodges and Appendant Bodies and civic organizations. As always, our Camp Followers took an
active role, and many members of the Chapter/Camp and their Ladies assisted in the planning and presentation of the
event. Past National Commander Brian Coffey presented Patriot of ’76 Certificates to the Speaker, the Summerville
Quintet, Bother Portis who provided the sound system, Brother Childress who provided pocket Constitutions and finally
to Most Worshipful Brother James Hanby, the Grand Master of Delaware. MW Brother Hanby founded this event fifteen
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years ago and we owe him a debt of gratitude for this and for allowing us to participate. Next year is the 250
Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence. We have already begun planning to make this the
primary event in Georgia celebrating this anniversary. Mark your calendars! All Sojourners, their Ladies and families are
invited to attend.

Colors and Toast to the Flag Chapter President Ringing the Bell
McCoy