The Commonwealth of Massachusetts A Proclamation By His Excellency Governor Argeo Paul Cellucci 1998
WHEREAS, American Freemasonry was created in Massachusetts in 1733 and today is represented by 289 Masonic Lodges in more than 170 communities in the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Freemasonry unites men of diverse business, educational, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, who are united under common beliefs, morals, and ethics; and
WHEREAS, Past American Freemasons include such notable figures, each of whom inspired and led efforts to establish and preserve personal liberty and religious freedom, as Paul Revere, John Hancock, Joseph Warren, 29 signers of the Declaration of Independence, 20 signers of the United States Constitution, and 15 Presidents of the United States; and
WHEREAS, Contributing internationally more than $2 million to charities each day towards the betterment of mankind, Freemasonry generously improves the quality of life for many individuals regardless of race, religion, sex, or nationality; and
WHEREAS, In Massachusetts alone, Freemasonry collects more than 20,000 pints of blood annually, provides more than $200,000 in college scholarships assistance annually, promotes child safety through DARE and Child Identification Programs, operates a living and health care facility for elders, and supports numerous local and national charities; and
WHEREAS, It is appropriate for all Massachusetts citizens to recognize the many contributions made to improve the quality of life by the Freemasons;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARGEO PAUL CELLUCCI, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim October 31st, 1998, to be
FREEMASONRY RECOGNITION DAY IN MASSACHUSETTS
and urge all citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.
Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston, this twenty-first day on August, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and twenty-third
By His Excellency the Governor
<signed> ARGEO PAUL CELLUCCI
GOD SAVE THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS