ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS HERALD
New Jersey's 1st Official Electronic Newspaper
AHHerald.com
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ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS HERALD |
New Jersey's 1st Official Electronic Newspaper AHHerald.com |
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KEYPORT, NJ - "They are not burned in anger, but to release the spirit," said Assistant Scout Leader Mike Muller of Boy Scout Troop 67 during the flag retirement ceremony hosted by Raritan DeMolay at the Caesarea Lodge of the Free Masons in Keyport on Saturday.
When the US flag becomes worn, torn, faded or badly soiled, it is time to replace it with a new flag, and the old flag should be "retired" with all the dignity & respect befitting our nation's symbol.
Several groups were in attendance at the flag retirement, including: Boy Scout Troop 67 from Cheesequake, Point Pleasant Beach Chapter of DeMolay, the Raritan Chapter of DeMolay, the Caesarea Lodge of Freemasons, Keyport Fire Department Lincoln Hose Company No. 1., and many family members and friends.
DeMolay is an organization dedicated to teaching young men ages 12-21, to be better persons and leaders. Under the advisorship of adults, civic awareness, responsibility or character development and leadership skills are taught not only in word, but also in deed. DeMolay was originally begun in 1919, by Frank Land, who saw a need for young boys losing their fathers in World War I. Donald Porter, called "Dad" Porter by DeMolays, is a past master of the Masonic Lodge in Keyport and with others helped activate the chapter 3 years ago. "Boy run their own activities," said Porter. "They run the meetings, elect officers and vote as a group." The group holds a variety of activites. They host dances, participate in sports tournaments, visit other DeMolay Chapters. The local group goes "away for a couple weekends each year to meet new kids and make friends for life," said Dad Porter, whose own sons, Don and Andrew are members of the Raritan Chapter. "The kids raises funds for everything they do." The Masons often lend the use of their lodge to host dinners and other events run by the DeMolay.
State Senior Councilor, Andrew Strucek, 18, has been a DeMolay for 3 years and is a member of the Point Pleasant Beach Chapter. He said the organization serves two functions. It provides the opportunity for young men to hone public speaking, organizational and time budgeting skills. It also provides fellowship and fun activities like paintball and baseball. P.J. Muller, 16, is Master Councilor and charter member of the Raritan Chapter. Muller said the annual convention in Wildwood, held in June, is wonderful experience. And there is Key Man, a week-long training event in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, where DeMolays learn team-building skills, meet new people and make new friends. Raritan Chapter Senior Councilor Jason Cornwall, 16, said, "It's all about learning how to be a productive member of society." The flag retirement ceremony is part of Patriot Day, one of several obligatory observances for the DeMolay. Others include Parents Day, Devotional Day, Days of Comfort and My Government Day. "Our slogan is DeMolay makes good young men, better men," said Strucek. "What sets us apart is, the guys lead everything. Parents are there just to be sure they don't get out of hand." Some famous DeMolay include Walt Disney and John Wayne. DeMolay is the largest male youth fraternity in the world, said Strucek. Even larger then the Boy Scouts. The organization is in 13 countries with more than 750 chapters. New Jersey recently added it 20th chapter in Barnegat. For any questions on chapters or meetings in your area, pleas call Jaci Crisall, Director of Public Relations for NJ DeMolay; 908-604-9510 http://www.caesarealodge64.org
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