Page 3 - Sojourner Newsletter-Fall 2025v2

Volume 102, Issue 3 3

NATIONAL COMMANDER’S MESSAGE

Let Freedom Ring

Since my installation as National Commander I have been very busy. The first
things that happened were to provide HQ with my bio and first article for the
National Sojourner magazine. No sooner than completing these and I received
a request from Area Representative Buzz Grimes to attend a weekend of encampments
in Hillsboro/Manchester, TN. We first had an encampment for Davy Crockett Camp
and presented the charter to Gen John Coffee Camp. This was followed by an
encampment for Gen John Coffee Camp. This was a very busy but enjoyable weekend
for all.

Next I traveled to Valley Forge PA to attend Founding Forward. I had a great time
there. Young ladies and gentlemen from all over were in attendance. They were
met by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson who talked to them as if they
were in colonial times. They were given a tour of Valley Forge and Washington’s
HQ. They studied the amendments and had a workshop on starting a business. This
was toped of by a trip to Philadelphia to visit Independence Hall and the Liberty
Bell. This weekend was very enjoyable for all. The students learned a lot and by
the end of the of the class were one group not separate groups. I recommend that if
your chapter sends a student to Founding Forward that one of your members go as a chaperon. This is a great
learning experience for the adults as well as the students. As I entered PA there were signs welcoming all to
PA saying Let Freedom Ring which is my theme. And I got my picture near the Liberty Bell, my emblem.

Then I went to FACE. National President Dave Mahoney and I spent Friday placing a wreath at the Tomb of
George Washington followed by a tour of Mount Vernon. This was followed by a wreath laying at the Tomb
of the Unknown Revolutionary Soldier in Old Alexandria. This was all topped off with a very special event,

laying a wreath by President Mahoney and myself at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington.

Saturday we held an encampment in the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Due to the wreath
laying this was one of the greatest experiences in my life. Thanks to all who planned these events.
Remember to “Let Freedom Ring" in your Camp. Pick a historical event, plan a program about the event and
share it with lodges in your area.
Peter Cauchon
National Commander