This ANZAC day (2017) I had the honour to lay a wreath, on behalf of our lodge, at both the Guildford and Bassendean Memorials. We had received dispensation from Grand Lodge to wear Regalia to the occasion; but I thought about how strange I would look, all on my own in my shiny apron, surrounded by people in military uniform and others dressed for the solemnity of the occasion and decided not to.

At the Bassendean memorial, they had a parade. I always thought that the parades were for past and present defence personal but it seems that I was wrong. Certainly, the soldiers came first, but they were then followed by other uniformed groups. The Boy Scouts I didn’t mind because they did play a part in the training of the soldiers and civil defence. However, I was astounded when I saw other groups (such as the local footy club and the after school play group) strolling along as well. Well, if they’ll let them in then perhaps it’s time that we used that platform to increase the visibility and reputation of Freemasonry in the local area. After all, many of our brethren went to war and some of our current members are ex-military. I hope that, next ANZAC day, I’m uploading photographs of local Freemasons marching behind their lodge banners.