Have
you ever wondered where Aruba is located? It's
a tiny island in the Caribbean 35 miles off the northern
coast of Venezuela. This summer, representatives from the
United States traveled to the small country to start their
very first chapter. Then Grand Master James McGee, 33rd
International Master Councilor Jason Wood and 33rd International
Congress Secretary Eric Polonsky all made the trip. Also,
DeMolays from Louisiana, Texas and Peru traveled to Aruba
to help with the initiation and installation of the officers.
Everyone arrived on the island paradise Thursday evening.
The next day, we took a tour of the island to see all the
sights and sounds of Aruba. In the afternoon, we held a
practice to go over parts and to see exactly what everyone
was going to do for the initiation. Also in the afternoon,
the local lodge, that is going to sponsor the chapter, held
a press conference to announce to the media and people what
was going to take place this weekend. After the press conference,
we had some free time to go out and explore the island.
Most of us went to the beach and others went sight seeing.
On Saturday, the initiation of the new DeMolays took place.
We held the Initiatory Degree in the morning. IMC Jason
Wood conferred the degree with the help of the DeMolays
from Texas and Louisiana, and 28 young men were on hand
to receive the degree. After the degree, we broke for lunch,
which was provided by El Sol Naciente Lodge.
Later, we met back in the lodge room for the DeMolay Degree.
This was probably the most interesting degree that I have
ever done. We all did a fine job without one minute of practice.
All of the new brothers were impressed with the degrees.
Most of them expressed the feeling that they couldnÕt wait
until they had a chance to do the parts themselves.
Finally, on Sunday afternoon the first installation of officers
took place. We installed a DeMolay into every office in
the chapter. All of them were excited about their positions.
IMC Jason Wood performed the Installing OfficerÕs part with
help from the DeMolays. After the installation, PSMC Patrick
Crocker and myself performed the Ceremony of Light and Flower
Talk for the guests.
Next, all distinguished guests and their wives were introduced
and given the opportunity to give remarks. The Grand Master
of DeMolay International and his wife were introduced. Also,
the Grand Master of DeMolay in Brazil and his wife were
introduced. Donald Garrido, who will serve as Personal Representative
to Aruba, was introduced. He is the person chiefly responsible
for organizing the entire event. Finally, the Minister of
Education and Labor for the Island was invited to speak.
She gave very positive remarks on the event. She was very
happy and excited by the whole dayÕs events. Lastly, awards
and gifts were presented to the DeMolays who made the trip
to the island. Afterwards, they held a banquet and dinner
in honor of the institution of Aruba Chapter No. 1.
It was a tremendous experience traveling to Aruba. Everyone
on the island was impressed by all the ceremonies. The new
brothers could not wait to dive right in and experience
the fun of DeMolay. Good Luck and Best Wishes to Aruba Chapter
No. 1, Order of DeMolay.
