Bruce G. Chabot, 32°
5919 Wild Horse Run, College Station, Texas 77845-2338
bruce.chabot@tamu.edu
Whether military, civil, professional or
fraternal, a uniform signifies dedication
to be of service to one's fellowman.
Photo:
Wilfred A. Chabot, the author's
grandfather, in his WW II Navy uniform, Signalman Second Class
In this month of June, associated with Father's Day, I always
think of what I learned from my father and grandfather, as I'm
sure many other Masons do as well. Some learned about Freemasonry
from their forebears, and this surely included principles by
which to live their lives. These lessons may have been verbally
specific or, more likely, simply teachings by example from Brethren
in the Fraternity and from one's father or grandfather on how
to be a good man.
While I learned from my father how to be a good citizen and
a loving family man, I also got from him something different;
that is, I inherited memories of my grandfather. Though my grandfather
is now with the Supreme Architect of the Universe in Glory,
when he was alive on this earth and I knew him, he was the most
kind and generous grandpa. One of the things I admired most
about him was his uniforms.
Grandpa wore many different uniforms over the course of his
long life. First, he was an enlisted sailor in World War II.
I have a beautiful photo of him in his dress blues. From his
military service, I learned that I should be a patriot and glad
to serve my country, giving my all for it, if so required. After
that, he worked as a mail carrier in the Postal Service. Again,
he was happy to serve others by delivering to them their letters
from loved ones and to send on from them the information they
needed to communicate to far away places. I vividly remember
his leaving the house each morning in his mailman's uniform,
going out to help folks keep in touch.
He retired from the Post Office, and this time took part-time
work as an armored-car driver. Again, he got a uniform and went
to work helping care for people's money. It seemed to me that
he always wanted to be productive and to wear a uniform that
signified to the world his willingness to help. He just constantly
served his community, in the military service, the postal service,
and the security industry. His was a life of service to everyone,
whether he knew them or not. Of course, he also served us, his
family, by being an example of gentleness, love, and support.
When I was a lad, my father and I followed Grandpa's example
by getting into our own uniforms, those of the Boy Scouts of
America, so we could learn to improve ourselves and be of service
to people. Eventually, I, too, would serve in the Navy, as a
chaplain, but that is another story.
My point is that my grandfather taught me by example that a
good way to be an individual is to belong to something greater
than one's self and to identify with other good men of decent
principles, as Masons do. His enduring lesson is that a man
should be of service to society and strive to make this world
a better place by helping people in whatever way he can.
Grandpa served with humility. He was never proud, though I
am proud of him and my father. They taught me to serve others
out of charity, and that lesson led me to join the Masonic Fraternity.
Happy Father's Day to all!
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Bruce G. Chabot
is an Episcopal priest. He teaches (and learns) at Texas
A&M University. The Senior Warden of Sul Ross Lodge
No. 1300 and Chaplain of St. Alban's Lodge No. 1455, both
in College Station, Texas, he was raised in Independence
Lodge No. 1337 in Corpus Christi, Texas. He is a member
of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Houston, the York Rite, and
Al Amin Shrine Temple. |
