The Queensman Lodge

No. 2694

 

Formally The Justinian Lodge

 

Grand Master honours VC heroes

FREEMASONS, military personnel and one very proud stonemason gathered at Freemasons’ Hall on 27 June for the unveiling of a long-awaited Victoria Cross Remembrance Stone Commissioned in 2016 by Granville Angel, whose charity VC Grave Concern maintains the graves of VC holders, the newly dedicated stone commemorates all United Grand Lodge of England Freemasons awarded the Victoria Cross Medal of Gallantry.

More than 130 guests were in

attendance, including serving military personnel a group of Chelsea Pensioners and Sea Cadets, and Sergeant Johnson Beharry a Freemason and one of only five living recipients of the Victoria Cross. He said: 'It's amazing that we are in the moment remembering and honouring the achievements of men and women in the military’’.

Finally came the grand unveiling and dedication of the Remembrance Stone by Grand Master HRH The Duke of Kent.

Sergeant Johnson Beharry, Queensman Lodge No. 2694. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for saving the lives of his unit, Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, in Iraq in 2004.

 

He displayed repeated extreme gallantry and unquestioned valour, despite intense direct attacks, personal injury and damage to his vehicle in the face of relentless enemy action.

The Victoria Cross Remembrance Stone is a tribute to more than 200 Freemasons who have received the highest and most prestigious of British military awards. It has now found a permanent home at Freemasons’ Hall.