FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
To Those Who Keep Us Safe
by PJ Roup, 33˚, Editor, Active for Pennsylvania
T H E
N O RT HERN LI G H T A magazine of 32˚ Scottish Rite Freemasonry
November 2021 | Vol. 52 | No. 4 SOVEREIGN GRAND COMMANDER Peter J. Samiec, 33° EXECUTIVE EDITOR Linda Patch
stepped up again, putting themselves in harm’s way to try and make our world safe. This issue of The Northern Light is dedicated to those heroes—the firefighters, police, medics, doctors, and nurses whose work usually goes unnoticed until we need them most. They leave their homes daily never knowing what horrors may lie ahead. They may do it out of a sense of duty, a love for their fellows, or because it is their true calling, but they always do it. And they keep doing it even when it is difficult, dangerous, and exhausting.
Those
of us old enough to remember can tell you precisely where we were on that sunny September day 20 years ago. We were sipping our morning coffee, commuting to work. We were in school or at the dentist. You will never forget how you felt as you watched the horrible scene unfold. Nor will you forget the heroism of those who rushed in to save the victims of the 9/11 attacks. Recently, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, our front-line workers have
At the 9/11 Memorial Glade at Ground Zero, a plaque sums it up far better than I can: This Memorial Glade is dedicated To those whose actions in our time of need Led to their injury, sickness, and death Responders and recovery workers Survivors and community members Suffering long after September 11, 2001 From exposure to hazards and toxins That hung heavy in the air Here and beyond this site known as Ground Zero And at the Pentagon And near Shanksville, Pennsylvania In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. Here we honor the tens of thousands From across America and around the world Who came to help and to heal Whose selflessness and resolve Perseverance and courage Renewed the spirit of a grieving city Gave hope to the nation And inspired the world. This fall, the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction celebrates our first responders. The next time you visit your Valley, be sure to take a moment to give thanks to those who keep us safe.
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EDITOR PJ Roup, 33° CREATIVE DIRECTOR Rodney E. Boyce, 33° CONTENT MANAGER Joann Williams-Hoxha DIRECTOR OF DESIGN Matt Blaisdell, 32° COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Thomas R. Labagh, 33°, Chairman Richard V. Travis, 33° Donald R. Heldman, 33° Donald G. Duquette, 33° PJ Roup, 33° J. Brian McNaughton, 33° SUPREME COUNCIL, 33° Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, U.S.A. THE NORTHERN LIGHT (ISSN 1088-4416) is published quarterly in February, May, August, and November by the Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, U.S.A., as the official publication. Printed in U.S.A. Periodicals postage paid at Boston, MA, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER Send address changes to The Northern Light PO Box 519, Lexington, MA 02420-0519 MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 519, Lexington, MA 02420-0519 EDITORIAL OFFICE 33 Marrett Road (Route 2A), Lexington, MA 02421 phone: 781-862-4410 email: editor@srnmj.org WEBSITE: www.ScottishRiteNMJ.org @scottishritenmj @TNLMagazine Copyright ©2021 by Trustees of the Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, U.S.A.
