Freedom Towers Cornerstone Dedication

July 4th, 2004, the dedication of the cornerstone for the new "Freedom Tower" at the World Trade Center. Our Grand Master M.'.W.'.Edward R. Trosin and our Deputy Grand Master R.'.W.'. Neal I. Bidnick were amongst the chosen few of less that 200 people who were invited to attend this dedication ceremony. Elected Officials, families of the victims, the press and the Grand Lodge of the State of New York were witnesses to this solemn and awe inspiring event.

The mood was somber as we walked down a huge ramp descending from the New York City sidewalks down to the bottom of the pit which will become the lowest basement of the new Freedom Tower. Flags blowing from a slight breeze did not dispel the heat and the emotions of the morning. The dedication ceremonies were brief with the most poignant speech being delivered by an very young man who was the son of one of those who perished that frightful day September 11th, 2001.

Masons are known and have often been involved with the laying of corner stones, especially of public buildings representing our counties principles of freedom and democracy. Our Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master represented all of us at this dedication and brought all of our heartfelt sympathies as well as the hope of the future to this event. The Grand Master and his Grand Marshall R.'.W.'. Bruce Renner drove all through the night from Tonawanda,New York (near Buffalo) to have the Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York join in on this historic morning and they drove back that same day. It was an morning not soon to be forgotten.

Copy courtesy of Bro Arthur Strickler