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MW Michael Sanders than brother Masons. While some of our Lodges have meetings that
are dry and barren, like the Arabian Desert, meetings at other
Back in 2005, when I was Grand Historian, the following was my Lodges are filled with informative and uplifting programs, community
address to Grand Lodge. I would like to share the address again, as I service activities, laughter and fellowship. We have just come
think it just as viable today. through a difficult period that has challenged the very survival of our
When our last Grand Lodge Communication was held one year Lodges, and some have indeed fallen. But we are once again
ago, I had no idea that my life would be changed so dramatically in moving forward; coming together to make our fraternity strong. We
the months to come. Early in July I was notified by the Army that have a lot to offer the world. But also like the Iraqi people, the world
there was a possibility I would be called to active duty in support of is largely unaware of who we are of what we have to offer. They
Operation Iraqi Freedom. In September I learned that my activation either know nothing about us, or have misconceptions based on
was indeed going to happen. On November 17th I reported to Fort slanted information.
Bragg, NC, and arrived in Baghdad on Christmas Eve. A few days I have two points that I want to make. The first is that strength is
later I was sent to Tikrit, where I am currently serving. achieved by overcoming obstacles. A friend recently sent me this
In my capacity as a Civil Affairs Officer I have been fortunate to story:
meet and get to know many Iraqi citizens. I’ve participated in Maybe you have seen the Great Barrier Reef, stretching some
meetings with Governors, Sheiks, businessmen and women, 1,800 miles from New Guinea to Australia. Tour guides regularly
soldiers, students, and various voluntary organizations, and have take visitors to view the reef. On one tour, a traveler asked the
been able to make friends along the way. I wish everyone could see guide an interesting question. "I noticed that the lagoon side of
these good people the way that I have learned to see them. the reef looks pale and lifeless, while the ocean side is vibrant
Unfortunately, most of the world is unaware of who the Iraqi people and colorful," the traveler observed. "Why is this?" The guide
really are, or what they have to offer. They know little or nothing gave an interesting answer:
about them except for the negative reports they see or hear in the "The coral around the lagoon side is in still water with no
newspapers and on television. challenge for its survival. It dies early. The coral on the ocean
The Iraqis have a long and impressive history, of which they are side is constantly being tested by wind, waves, and storms --
justifiably proud. They are quite diverse in their ethnic, cultural, and surges of power. It has to fight for survival every day of its life. As
religious backgrounds, but all recognize each other as fellow Iraqis. it is challenged and tested, it changes and adapts. It grows
They are generally warm, friendly, and easy to like and feel healthy. It grows strong. And it reproduces."
comfortable with. They live in a land that is not just barren desert as Then he added this telling note: "That's the way it is with every
we Americans so often envision, but also has beautiful rivers, rich living organism."
farmlands, green hills and snow-covered mountains. The Iraqi
people have just come through a very difficult period under an evil That's how it is with people. Physical demands can cause us to
regime that has challenged their very survival. But they are coming grow stronger. Mental and emotional stress can produce tough-
together as a people and are proudly working to make their nation mindedness and resiliency. Spiritual testing can produce strength of
strong and prosperous. They have a lot to offer the world. character and faithfulness. Our Lodges, of course, being a collective
When you stop and think about it, there is a lot of similarity group of people, react the same way. Challenged and tested, we
between us, as Freemasons, and the Iraqis. We also have a long come alive! Like coral pounded by the sea, we grow.
and impressive history, which we are also very proud of. In general, Last August, I sent a survey to each Lodge with a request that
Masons are warm and friendly, likable, and easy to feel comfortable they answer the questions and return it to me. The survey had the
around. Although diverse in our ethnic, cultural, and religious following questions:
backgrounds, we tend to see one another as nothing more or less  When was your Lodge chartered?

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