General Order No. 7 (2023-2024) – Patriotic Observance Message

Sir Knights,

This time of year is special for all of us. Not because school is out for the summer. Not
because of the summer vacations we have planned. Not because of the extra daylight
we receive. It is because we celebrate, and remember, the moment our country was
founded. The signing of the Declaration of Independence changed the world, and we
should be forever grateful.

The men who founded this country, a country based on freedom, were signing their own
death warrant should they, and the United States of America, fail. They knew the price
that would be paid. Yet, it was a price worth paying to win the freedoms we now enjoy.
We live in the best country the world has ever known because of their commitments.
We honor the self-sacrifice and devotion of those who have paved the way for us today.
Pause for a moment during this time and reflect on this. Remember the men and
women who played vital roles for the founding of our beloved USA.

Celebrate with your family, friends, and neighbors. Enjoy this special time of year when
we recognize that we are truly one nation under God and strive to be the shining
example in your daily lives of the patriotic virtues that unites us all.

This General Order is to be read aloud at the next Stated Conclave following its receipt,
and the action noted by the Recorder in the minutes with a copy attached thereto.

Fraternally,

T. Chance Chapman
Grand Commander