Brethren,

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"

This is indeed an urgent question. What have we, as a Masonic Lodge, done for our community? Although service to others is generally viewed as an altruistic endeavor, Naval Lodge and its members can also benefit greatly. Besides learning new skills and feeling good about helping others, our lodge can become more visible in the community as a valuable asset through its community service. I think we serve our community well, but we can always do more.

The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President's national call to service initiative. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems.

I would like to extend an invitation to all of you to join me in the MLK Day of Service. There are many opportunities for service, but I would like to volunteer for the 11th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Walk and Parade.

The concept of the parade is not only to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King jr., but to promote peace and non-violence in the community and to provide children with the opportunity to perform for family, friends, and community members.

Volunteers are needed to help with assembling the parade. The parade will begin assembling on January 16th at 9am at the Rise Center 2730 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20032.

If you would like to volunteer with me, you are required to register through the following website: http://volunteer.dc.gov/opportunities/4539

Christian Jerome, WM Naval Lodge No. 4