From Nov. 11, 1918 to Nov. 11, 2024 and Beyond

By Bro. Michael Terry

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, The Great War—World War I—ended. 

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 2024, one year ago, marked the formal dedication of six branch-of-service flagpoles donated by Good Samaritan Lodge to the town of Reading. 

Several years ago, a Reading resident proposed to the town that the flag of each branch of our military be flown on the Town Common on that branch’s founding date. For a variety of reasons, the request was denied, and the resident mentioned it to a Good Samaritan Lodge member as a frustration with town politics. 

Good Samaritan Lodge decided to propose the erection of six flagpoles, one for each branch of service—Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. After extensive discussions with the town, Good Samaritan Lodge decided to donate the flagpoles—and flags for each—with the poles to be erected in a semicircle around the national colors at Reading’s Memorial Park. 

The lodge was able to raise the money quite quickly with donations from current members and using part of a bequest from deceased member Bro. David Libby. The town agreed to do the installation of the flagpoles. 

Most Worshipful Grand Master George F. Hamilton and most of his Grand Lodge Suite attended the ceremonies, as did nearly thirty members of Good Samaritan Lodge, including its current Worshipful Master, Wor. John J. Galvin, Jr. and recent past masters Wors. Antonio Aufiero, Dominic Colanton, George Tzortzis, Robert Cimeno, Carl Twiss, Gordon Rogerson, and James Baxter.

Both M, Wor. Bro. Hamilton and Wor. Bro. Galvin spoke during the dedication ceremonies, as did town dignitaries and Brigadier General Dana Sanders-Udo, United States Army (retired). Common themes emerged as each speaker touched on remembering all who have served, continuing to support those who currently serve, and how we as Americans have so much more in common than that which divides us. 

Good Samaritan Lodge hosted a collation in its dining room after the ceremony, with many of the 200 people who attended the ceremony at Memorial Park enjoying coffee, soft drinks, and a light lunch. Kudos to Wor. Bro. John J. Galvin, Jr., Worshipful Master of Good Samaritan Lodge, Reading Veterans’ Service Officer Will Valliere, and to Reading’s Department of Public Works for making this event possible. Good Samaritan Lodge is especially grateful to the Grand Master and his suite for attending the ceremony.