Christmas Message from National Councilor Rich Beppler

​My dearest Brothers and Sisters,
 
        I sat here this uncommon Thanksgiving Day reflecting on all I have to be thankful for with a full belly but a heavy heart.  An uncommon Thanksgiving that was unparalleled due to a pandemic that has rocked our world. A fullness of gratitude for the blessings God has bestowed upon my family and friends weathering the storm this past year as we look forward to the annihilation of the deadly Covid-19 virus.  A heavy heart for all our fellow brothers and sisters who have not been so fortunate as myself and whose health conditions this past year have taken a toll so heavy to bear.  Those like our esteemed Junior Past National Councilor, Charlie, as he prepares for dialysis.  Another Past National Councilor, Ed Kiefer, recently placed under hospice care as he battles for his life from his prolonged sickness. Our Brother National delegate, Ray Arnie, as he continues his long journey to recovery from his unfortunate accident.  So many more whose lives have been turned upside down by this insidious pandemic.
 
This holiday season I challenge each and every one of my Brothers and Sisters to take the time to reach out and embrace a member of our Order that we haven’t seen in a while or to someone you know who is alone or less fortunate than yourself.  Pray for our soldiers overseas far away from family and friends, that they may feel they are not forgotten.  May we soon return to normality in our meetings and resume our fraternal functions so that we may once again grow our ranks for generations to come.  Let your light shine through to brighten someone’s day, if only for a moment.  As Francis of Assisi avowed “For it is in giving that we receive”.  Give of your heart to others, that you may receive blessings a hundred fold.
 
As we prepare for this holiday season to commemorate the wondrous birth of our Lord and celebrate a safeguarded Christmas with family and friends, I appeal to my Brothers and Sisters to take the necessary precautions that we may weather this storm.  We must turn to our guiding principles of Virtue, Liberty and Patriotism as a beacon in the dark of night, for it is darkest before the dawn.  My Christmas wish this season is that after the glow of the Christmas tree has faded and the gifts unwrapped that we all emerge triumphant in the dawn of a new year filled with the promise of hope and prosperity for all.
Fraternally Yours, in V.L.P.
Rich Beppler            
National Councilor