Presentation by Noble and Brother Richard Viglione to Kosair Shrine Temple, Louisville Scottish Rite and Fortitude Lodge

A Welcoming Home and Presentations both for and by Our Noble and Brother Richard Viglione, held at Fortitude Lodge #47 F&AM on 10/26/2009

Richard Viglione - An American Patriot and Freemason

By Ill. Sir Randy Coe, Potentate 2009

Fires raged and thousands perished as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. A Shrine Mason was caused to return to duty in the armed services of his country as a result. Noble Richard Viglione reenlisted in the United States Navy to help fight the war on terrorism.

Petty Officer First Class Viglione recently returned from a second tour of duty in Iraq. His conduct during the tour caused him to receive commendations and honors from his superior officers.

Richard visited Fortitude Lodge in LaGrange one night in October. Dozens of Masonic brothers, OES sisters and friends attended the Open Lodge meeting that night. He spoke elegantly about his desire to serve our country and the role Freemasonry has played in his life during dangerous and troubled times.

He presented to the Kosair Legion of Honor a Masonic Apron worn in Iraq and an American flag flown in Iraq on September 11, 2009. He thanked his brothers of Shawnee Lodge for providing the wonderful Masonic aprons worn by him and other Master Masons stationed in Iraq.

The more than 2,600 families of Kosair Shriners paid tribute to him with the gift of a 1905 bronze Shrine plaque, a golden �Editorial Without Words� statue, and an American flag flown at Kosair Shrine Temple while he was deployed. He was deeply moved and grateful.

Brother John Moyers, SGIG/PGM attended with Personal Representative Roger Barnett, PGM. Michael and Rhonda Martin, Deputy Grand Patron and Matron attended from the OES. Carolyn Perkins, Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter OES and Katherine Games, Ambassador of Goodwill of the OES District also attended. Brother Thomas V. Ellis, District Deputy of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky also participated. Worshipful Master Joel Townsend conducted the meeting with dignity, creating a welcoming environment for our returning professional warrior.

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Bro. Carl Corley, PM of Fortitude Lodge #47 F&AM for 2008, looks on as our Brother and Noble, Petty Officer First Class Richard Viglione, presents Ill. Sir Randy Coe, Potentate of Kosair Shrine Temple for 2009, with an American Flag that was flown in Iraq on September 11th, 2009 and also a Masonic Apron that was worn in Iraq.

Brother and Noble, Petty Officer First Class Richard Viglione, is presented with a flag that was flown at the Louisville Scottish Rite and is in a frame case that was donated by Fortitude Lodge #47 F&AM. From Left to Right: MWPGM and Personal Representative to the SGIG Valley of Louisville Scottish Rite, Bro. Roger Barnett; Bro. Viglione; Venerable Master of Louisville Lodge of Perfection Valley of Louisville Scottish Rite and Past Master of Fortitude Lodge #47 F&AM for 2005, Bro. Jim Stevens; Worshipful Master of Fortitude Lodge #47 F&AM for 2009, Bro. Joel Townsend; MWPGM and SGIG for the Valley of Louisville Scottish Rite, Bro. John Moyers and Past Master of Fortitude Lodge #47 F&AM for 2008, Bro. Carl Corley.

A host of dignitaries from several appendant bodies of Freemasonry, along with friends, family and Brothers were on hand at Fortitude Lodge #47 F&AM in LaGrange, KY., to welcome our Brother and Noble, Petty Officer First Class Richard Viglione back home from his second tour of duty in Iraq.