Nation Recognition For Freemasons

The following is from Rep. Paul Gillmor's blog - http://www.gillmorblog.com/
According to The Masonic Traveler, Rep. Gillmore is a 33° Mason.

Here is the letter Rep. Gillmor (OH) and Rep. John Duncan (TN) sent to their colleagues last year asking for co-sponsors to this resolution.

Throughout our country’s history, the Masonic fraternity has played a vital role in helping America develop into what it is today—a beacon of liberty and hope that shines brightly throughout the world. As proud Masons, we have witnessed firsthand the positive impact that the Masonic community has had on many communities within our districts and districts across the country. Therefore, to properly recognize the many charitable contributions that the Masonic brotherhood has provided to the American people, the resolution honoring this organization and its members that was originally introduced by former Congressman Nick Smith has been re-introduced in the 109th Congress.

The heritage of Freemasonry extends back before our nation’s founding, yet finds itself at the heart of our country’s governing documents. Many of our Founding Fathers and other early leaders of the United States were Freemasons themselves and found it essential to interject the high moral and ethical standards of the Masonic code into those documents that would eventually establish the United States as the bellwether for freedom and democracy. Their principled leadership, dedicated public service, and belief in the Masonic code has set them, and the many generations of Freemasons that followed, apart from their fellow citizens. As caretakers of mankind, the Masonic community has provided an incalculable amount of charitable relief and education to the citizenry and this resolution pays tribute to that stewardship

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IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 5, 2007

Mr. GILLMOR submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

RESOLUTION

Recognizing the thousands of Freemasons in every State in the Nation and honoring them for their many contributions to the Nation throughout its history.

Whereas Freemasons, whose long lineage extends back to before the Nation's founding, have set an example of high moral standards and charity for all people;

Whereas the Founding Fathers of this great Nation and signers of the Constitution, most of whom were Freemasons, provided a well-rounded basis for developing themselves and others into valuable citizens of the United States;

Whereas members of the Masonic Fraternity, both individually and as an organization, continue to make invaluable charitable contributions of service to the United States;

Whereas the Masonic Fraternity continues to provide for the charitable relief and education of the citizens of the United States;

Whereas the Masonic Fraternity is deserving of formal recognition of their long history of care-giving for the citizenry and their example of high moral standards; and

Whereas Freemasons have always revered and celebrated St. John's Day, June 24th, as dedicated to their patron saints: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes the thousands of Freemasons in every State in the Nation and honors them for their many contributions to the Nation throughout its history.

Source: http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c110:H.RES.33: