Jack A. Hendee, 32°
1180 North Main Street, Apt. 101A-164, Bishop, California 93514-2472
capjacks@schat.com

Our nation's birthday month of July is a good time to pause
and remember what makes America great.

Do you ever wonder? I mean just generally wonder about many things as you let your mind roam freely? I hope so because wondering can spawn previously undiscovered ideas and feelings.

Personally, I enjoy a quiet hour just letting my thoughts randomly pass over things that inspire my awe. Even though science has answered many questions, much in life and nature is still unknown, even exactly why and how a tree blooms in spring and bears fruit in summer. I am glad that simple things, such as a cloud racing across the sky, bring me quiet enjoyment. I especially remember when I was a lad sitting by a fishing hole with my dad on a perfect summer day. Inevitably our small talk would work around to the greatest wonder of all-our country.

Born out of dissension in other countries, men came here to find a new and freer life. Many were exiled from their mother country as troublemakers and rabble-rousers. Most of our early settlers were from England; however, it soon became evident they were being subjected to the very rules they had hoped to escape.

Strife followed in the form of the Revolutionary War. At its end, a new nation was formed. Though very small at that time, it was a nation of free men with great plans. They formed the Constitution to preserve freedom and self-government for all. Though it was never a perfect document, it is a wonder of simplicity and careful thought which has guided us for over two centuries. Times and conditions have changed, but the Constitution is still America's guiding light and will remain bright for generations to come.

Our country has seen many periods when it was necessary to defend our way of life or go to the aid of others who were not able to defend their own rights. Wonderfully, we have succeeded. Another wondrous aspect of America is our freedom of religion and the ability to worship as we see fit. No state authority tells us what church to attend, when to attend it, and what must be believed. Religious freedom always stands at or near the top of any of our wonderful rights.

Also, it is no small wonder that fraternities and service clubs abound in America. Each operates with free speech and open fellowship with the specific purpose of serving its community and those in need. My personal feeling is that any group that does good, is good. At each Masonic meeting, for instance, there is always the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of our nation. To me, that is one of the most important aspects of the meeting. I stand in awe at the sight of our national banner leading a parade or draping the coffin of a fallen Brother at his last rites. Our flag has real power, and I respect it.

I love my country dearly, but I resent what some are attempting to do to it. However, I also know this great nation will last and stand the test of time. We suffered through the Civil War, becoming more solidly united and stronger. We will face future challenges, but we will survive and prosper.

This month, as we again celebrate our nation's birthday, please take a moment to stand in awe and wonder what each of us might do to make our country better.

Jack A. Hendee is an Iowan by birth and a Californian since 1952. He was raised a Master Mason in Lorenzo Lodge No. 709 (now merged with Acacia Lodge No. 243), Hayward, Calif., in 1959 and is a member of the York Rite, Scottish Rite, and Al Bahr Shrine, all in San Diego. He retired from a career in marketing, sales, and distribution. A former Director of Boys and Girls Mental Health Society, he now pursues several hobbies: writing, fishing, ham radio, photography, and boating where he holds a U.S.C.G. Master's License. He is much too busy in all Masonic Bodies but looking for more to do.