Page 3 - Sojourner Newsletter-Winter 2024 FINALv2

Volume 101, Issue 1 3

NATIONAL COMMANDER’S MESSAGE

Bridge of Light: Giving back to our Craft

As you know there is a lot of cross-leveling of Programs between Bridge of Light
and Americanism. Since some of the same programs can be used for either function,
this has led some to believe that the National Bridge of Light Committee should be
absorbed and become a subcommittee of the National Americanism Committee. As
a former Chairman of the National Bridge of Light Committee, I may be biased, but
I do not agree with this proposition. Americanism offers programs for our
communities at large while Bridge of Light offers programs for our Masonic family.

When we present programs within our Masonic family, we are demonstrating the
Patriotism that all Masons in the United States and all Appendant and Concordant
Bodies are taught to inculcate. Besides the Patriotism and Americanism we
demonstrate and teach, it is also worthwhile for us to be among our brothers and sisters to share fun and
fellowship and strengthen the bonds that unite us even further.

As the National Commander of the Heroes of ’76, I have often said and heard that Heroes of ’76 are the
public face of National Sojourners. This is true to a point, mostly because we wear colonial era uniforms,
which draws attention to our Order through our programs. I have even heard that the Heroes are a great
recruiting tool for National Sojourners. I feel that the best recruiting tool for our Order are Bridge of Light
events. As we go into Lodges, Chapters, Councils, Assemblies, etc. and present our programs, we should
ensure that we honor any Veterans who are present and if they are Master Masons, invite them to attend a
Sojourners’ Chapter meeting to see if they would want to join with us on our mission to fulfill our Purposes. I
have found this to be a great way to attract new members.

If your Chapter is not heavily invested in conducting Bridge of Light activities you are missing out. Most
Worshipful Masters, Worthy Matrons, Royal Matrons and other leaders of Masonic Lodges and Appendant
and Concordant Bodies are thrilled to have us present a program to make their meetings more interesting and
well-attended. I urge you to let them know about our Bridge of Light Programs and that we are available to
present them. This is good for them, good for us and truly fulfills our Purposes.

Brian C. Coffey
National Commander
Heroes of ‘76
2023-2024