Nobody keeps statistics on this. But as a Freemason, my own unscientific observation says "probably." A very high percentage of my brethren are veterans, much more so than my other friends that arent Masons. But this shouldnt surprise anyone, because Freemasonry tends to attract men who love their country and want to serve it.
Michael is mistaken about what Freemasonry is all about. It is a fraternity, nothing more. It is certainly true members of a fraternity look out for each other, but isnt that what friends are supposed to do? It doesnt mean we dont deal fairly with all people. Quite the opposite, in fact. Freemasons are taught to "square their actions by the square of virtue" in their dealings with everybody, Freemason or not. Freemasons dont give other Freemasons special treatment. So no, Freemasons in the military arent reserving promotions just for other Freemasons, and theyre not engaging in cover-ups of any wrong-doing by fellow Masons. Both would be a contradiction of the most basic principles of Freemasonry, which emphasize morality and a respect for the law. A Freemasons Masonic obligation does not contradict any obligations he has to God, his country, or his fellow man...including any obligations he assumed when he joined the military.
Theres a great tradition of Freemasonry and the United States military. Many of George Washingtons Generals were fellow Freemasons...not because he only let Masons become Generals, but because he knew he could trust them. Today, many American military bases have Masonic lodges, which help our men in uniform feel a little bit at home even when theyre on the other side of the world, which is important for morale. The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has a lodge at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for example. And across the country there are many military lodges, which are a special kind of lodge that has only one difference from any other Masonic lodge: you have to be in the military or a veteran to join. One such lodge is Major General Henry Knox Lodge in Boston (Maj. Gen. Henry Knox was one of Washingtons Generals in the Revolutionary War).
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