East Kent Freemasons and the Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
To those who proudly protect our nation, who do so with honour, courage, and commitment, the Armed Forces Covenant is the nation’s commitment to support them.
It is a pledge that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives.
On Remembrance Day, we acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who served this country and acknowledge our responsibility to work for the peace they fought hard to achieve. Some members of the Armed Forces have witnessed and experienced things that most of us couldn’t imagine and their healing process is a difficult one, some never overcome it.
Due to its location, East Kent has a fair number of military lodges within its province which of course it takes great pride in.
On Tuesday 29 November 2022, the Head of Freemasonry for the Province of East Kent, Neil Hamilton Johnstone, proudly signed the Armed Forces Covenant in a signing ceremony at the Royal Engineers Museum in Chatham, Kent
Signing on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) was Lieutenant Colonel David Hirst, Head of Training for the Royal Engineers Group. The signing was witnessed by members of the military lodges in the Province of East Kent.
Lt Col David Hirst said,
'That he is proud to have been invited to sign on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and being aware of how many Armed Forces and veterans are Freemasons, it is fit and proper to explore new ways of working together, now and in the future.'
The ceremony started with a briefing from Kemsley Whittlesea, a veteran of the Armed Forces who is also a Freemason. He explained how Freemasonry supports the Armed Forces, its veterans, their families and cadets and how it provides a level of camaraderie and friendship that is comparable to that experienced within the Armed Forces, no matter what the rank.
The values that underpin Freemasonry today, charity, respect, integrity and friendship are very similar to that of the Armed Forces. Today, we have many members who are both serving and who have served and who are rightfully proud of our unique association and vibrant community feel.
The Head of Freemasonry for the Province of East Kent, Neil Hamilton Johnstone, said
'Today, I am delighted that the Armed Forces Covenant we sign will help change many people’s lives as well as enhance our reputation. This is an exciting and unique opportunity to demonstrate our support for the Armed Forces by signing the Covenant and we look forward to exploring how we carry this forward in a most meaningful way'.
