REPORT ON 2024 EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE

We want to thank Right Eminent Grand Commander Ditmar Chavez for the opportunity to serve on the Grand Commandery Easter Sunrise Service Committee. We were excited to serve on this team and all were looking forward to the trip. We had several discussions with the REGC regarding the Easter Sunrise Service Trip and discussed many wonderful places to visit along the way.

24 Sir Knights, spouses, and guests participated in the 2024 Easter Sunrise Service Excursion. The attendees traveled to Petersburg, VA, and Washington, DC before finally arriving to the Alexandria, VA area. At our first stop at Concord Mills, NC, all were treated to a variety of options for a great lunch, but pushed onward to Petersburg, VA where we enjoyed a phenomenal meal and even greater fellowship.  Our plans for a “walking tour” of Williamsburg, VA were cancelled due to the weather, but a contingency plan of spending the day touring the Nation’s Capital provided everyone with an exciting day.  We visited the Lincoln Memorial, the Museum of Natural History and toured the DC “MALL” area before adjourning for a delicious Italian dinner. 

On Friday, we partnered with the Sir Knights of Florida and several dignitaries to continue our expedition.  We toured the Jefferson Memorial, the US Capital, the Scottish Rite Museum, and the Museum of the Bible.  Each locale provided a plethora of enjoyment and information re: each of the stops.  We had another evening of fine dining at a local establishment and everyone again truly enjoyed being in each other’s company.

On Saturday, we were again joined by the Sir Knights of Florida who accompanied us to the Arlington National Cemetery.  We supported the Sir Knights from our southern border as they laid a wreath, which in turn they were there in support of our three leaders of the York Rite bodies and our esteemed Grand Master Polston.  After the extremely solemn and moving ceremony, we were treated to a tour of the barracks and preparation rooms for the Soldiers who guard that sacred place.  Many thanks go out to one of our own who served valiantly in the position many years ago, Brother Jim Tate for arranging that incredible tour.  We as a nation could not be more proud of the dedication, precision, and expertise these young soldiers from the US Army demonstrated.  After the incredible experience of being on this hallowed ground, we then journeyed to the George Washington Masonic Building for an afternoon of touring the facility and learning even more about our first President and Grand Master of Virginia.  If you have never been to this incredible museum, you must add it to your bucket list of places to visit.  After an exhausting, yet exhilarating day, we joined with all the other Sir Knights from the Eastern Division for a delicious banquet and unparalleled camaraderie, following by some great fellowship in the different hospitality rooms.

On Sunday morning, your York Right representatives from the great state of Georgia, along with our Grand Master, also participated in the 94^th Annual East Coast Easter Sunrise Service which was also held at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.

It was truly an honor to represent the Grand Commandery of Georgia and were ecstatic that this trip was able to include so very many incredible museums and events in which to participate.  We are hopeful that the Easter Sunrise Service Trip will continue to be a Grand Commandery of Georgia tradition for many years to come.

Respectfully Submitted William T. “Whitey” White, Chairman,

Grand Commandery Easter Sunrise Committee