In recognition of those Brothers who have come before us, occasionally, I will post a small collection of their wisest quotes.  A word to the wise, from the wise, if you will.  I hope you enjoy the first installment!

Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man. 

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.

Ben Franklin

But who prays for Satan? Who, in eighteen centuries, has had the common humanity to pray for the one sinner that needed it most?

Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.

Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain)

It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one's self through the eyes of others, of measuring one's soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity.

To stimulate wildly weak and untrained minds is to play with mighty fires.

W. E. B. DuBois

For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst and provide for it.

Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!

When the American spirit was in its youth, the language of America was different: Liberty, sir, was the primary object.

Patrick Henry

I am concerned for the security of our great Nation; not so much because of any threat from without, but because of the insidious forces working from within.

Years wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.

General Douglas MacArthur

During the course of my reading, I have come across many notable Masons; some have changed the world, while others have escaped the bonds of it's gravity while reaching for the heavens.  They have entertained us and they have inspired us.  Despite their varied accomplishments, all of these men had one thing in common - their membership in the oldest fraternal organization in the world.  In the following series of articles, I will detail the lives of some of the most intriguing and thought provoking Masons that have ever worn an apron.  It must be added that this is by no means an exhaustive list - one interested in finding out which other famous people were practitioners of the Craft need only visit this article at masonicinfo.com.

William "Bud" Abbott

"William Alexander “Bud” Abbott (October 2, 1895 – April 24, 1974) was an American actor, producer and comedian born in Asbury Park, New Jersey. He is best remembered as the straight man of the comedy team of Abbott and Costello, with Lou Costello." -Wikipedia

Brother Abbott was also a member of Daylight Lodge #525, MI
 
 

Emilio Aguinaldo

"Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy (March 22, 1869 – February 6, 1964) was a Filipino general, politician, and independence leader. He played an instrumental role in Philippine independence during the Philippine Revolution against Spain and the Philippine-American War that resisted American occupation.  In the Philippines, Aguinaldo is considered to be the country's first and the youngest Philippine President, though his government failed to obtain any foreign recognition." -Wikipedia

Brother Aguinaldo was also a member, founder and Past Master of Ibarra Lodge #31 in the Philippines which was later renamed the Aguinaldo Memorial Lodge #31 in his honor.

Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin

"Colonel Buzz Aldrin, Sc.D (born January 20, 1930 as Edwin Eugene Aldrin, Jr.) is an American pilot and astronaut who was the Lunar Module Pilot on Apollo 11, the first lunar landing. He became the second person to set foot on the Moon (after Mission Commander Neil Armstrong)."

"Aldrin was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, where he became a Tenderfoot in the Boy Scouts of America.  He attended Montclair High School in Montclair, New Jersey, and graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He was not nicknamed Buzz because of having a buzz cut. Actually, as a boy, he was given the nickname "Buzz" by his sister—she mispronounced "brother" as "buzzer", and this was shortened to Buzz—and he made it his legal first name in 1988." -Wikipedia

Brother Aldrin is also a Master Mason in Montclair Lodge #144, NJ, 32nd Degree A.A.S.R., R.A.M. & K.T. in Authven Commandery, TX, a Recipient of the Knight Templar Cross of Honor in 1969 and is a Member of the Shrine of North America.

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