Page 3 - Sojourner Newsletter-Fall 2024 Final1

Volume 101, Issue 4 3

NATIONAL COMMANDER’S MESSAGE

It has been a busy, but truly enjoyable three months since the Annual National Convention in
Austin, Texas. I have been working with three National Sojourner Chapters who are ready to
form Heroes of ‘76® Camps and to receive their Camp Charters. In September, I officially
presented Pittsburgh Chapter #38 their Charter for Isaac Craig Camp. Springfield (Missouri)
Chapter #84 has submitted their petition for their Big Canoe Camp, and they are awaiting the
processing of that petition by HQ. Mid-Ohio Valley Chapter #572 is also in the process of
petitioning for their Camp Charter, and they hope to secure the name of Rufus Putnam Camp. It is
exciting to see the energy of the members of these new Camps and to hear of their future plans.
Congratulations to these new or soon to be Heroes of ’76® Camps!

I have also travelled quite extensively these past few months, and my experiences have been extraordinary. The
following is a travel summary:

July – I travelled to Dayton, Ohio (Chapter #67 and the General Montgomery Camp), for a Bivouac to induct the
Grand Master of Ohio, MWB Paul Weglage, into the Heroes of ‘76®. I’m truly grateful to Brother David Williamson
who was a splendid host! Immediately following their Bennington Banquet, I departed for Valley Forge to attend our
youth civic education seminar at Founding Forward (formerly Freedoms Foundation). It was truly gratifying to see the
young attendees grasp the lessons in constitutional law, entrepreneurship, and patriotic history. I guarantee that your
continual efforts sending youth to Founding Forward is undoubtedly worth it!

August – I travelled to Washington, D.C. to attend the Federal Area Conference and Encampment (FACE). On the
Friday before FACE, many Heroes and their Ladies met at the George Washington Masonic Memorial to officially
dedicate the two benches and two trees in Honor of the Heroes of ’76® Centennial and the Centennial National
Commander, Brother Randy Geck and his Lady, Grand Dame, Carol. Later that day, our National President, Brother
Carl Diamond, Grand Dame Carolyn Diamond, and I performed two wreath laying ceremonies. The first was at the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution in Old Alexandria, VA at the Old Presbyterian Meeting
House. It was a very nice, somber ceremony with many Heroes and Ladies in Colonial dress. The second wreath laying
ceremony was at Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Again, there were many Heroes
and their Ladies present in Colonial dress plus a quite crowd of public attendees. Both of the wreath laying ceremonies
were unforgettable experiences! Absolute goosebumps! On Saturday, we had a splendid Conference and Encampment,
hosted by Brother Bill Sanner who was also responsible for arranging the Friday ceremonies. Many thanks Brother Bill!
On Sunday, a small group of us went to Mount Vernon to perform a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of Brother
George Washington. Again, what an unforgettable experience! Thank you to PNP/PNC/LOH Brother Bill Turner and
Grand Dame, Lady Patty Turner for exerting your influence as past Mount Vernon Steering Committee Members to
arrange this experience for us! Again, absolute goosebumps – a very emotional experience!

September – I travelled to Pittsburgh, PA for the North Atlantic Area Conference and Encampment (NAACE). The
Conference and Encampment was hosted by Pittsburgh Chapter #38 and it was refreshing to see the enthusiasm and
energy of the Brethren from that Chapter and Camp. I expect to hear great things about them in the future! The
following weekend, I travelled to Omaha, NE for the Central Area Conference and Encampment (CACE). It was hosted
by Omaha Chapter #19 and the Joseph Warren Camp. The Conference and Encampment was absolutely splendid and I
am so grateful to have been there. I had a marvelous time! The Joseph Warren Camp puts on a stellar Heroes of ’76®
Degree, and I have asked them to do so again at the 2025 Annual National Convention in Omaha. I feel strongly that the
Host Chapters of our ANCs are afforded the opportunity to show their prowess in planning and performing the Degree,
especially when they are so accomplished in doing so.

To all Heroes of ’76 Brethren, thank you again for the faith that you have put in me by electing me as your National
Commander. The experiences you have afforded me have been absolutely unforgettable! EIAR!

Paul A. DeMerath
National Commander