By John Faucher
The Village of Iola marked a historic, multi-generational tribute on June 20, as state and local members of the Freemasons gathered at the Omholt & Forsythe S.C. law office at 105 Pine Crest Lane.
The event formally dedicated a new 250th-anniversary commemorative flagpole and community colors.
The special open lodge public ceremony was co-hosted by regional Freemasons, and David L. Forsythe of Omholt & Forsythe, S.C. Law Office to honor the foundational framework of the nation while highlighting the local freemason’s roots throughout the entirety of Waupaca County.
According to event organizer David Forsythe, the dedication coordinates with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, serving as a physical reminder of historic sacrifices.
“The reason we are gathering today is to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, recognizing the blessings of freedom and liberty,” Forsythe stated, noting that his great-great-grandparents originally settled throughout Iola, Manawa, and surrounding townships. “It is my hope that the flag which we are dedicating today will serve as a symbol of hope and a reminder of all that have come before us.”
Despite occasional traffic disruptions along the busy thoroughfare, the proceedings delivered a meaningful, highly detailed narrative tracking the deep historical evolution of the American flag.
A history lesson on the flag
According to historical records presented during the dedication, the Continental Congress originally resolved on June 14, 1777, that the United States flag would feature 13 alternate red and white stripes paired with 13 white stars on a blue field representing a new constellation.
Following the admissions of Vermont in 1791 and Kentucky in 1792, the design was updated to 15 stars and 15 stripes. Realizing the flag would quickly become unwieldy if a new stripe was appended for every subsequent state, Naval Captain Samuel C. Reed suggested Congress permanently return to 13 stripes to honor the original colonies, adding only stars to represent new states.
That design frame-work was cemented by law on April 4, 1818, requiring a new star be added to the field on the 4th of July immediately following a state’s admission to the Union.
The historical address further noted that the famous moniker “Old Glory” was first bestowed upon the flag on March 17, 1824, by William Driver, a sea captain from Salem, Massachusetts.
Decades later, Public Law 623 was enacted on June 22, 1942, to officially standardize customs and proper respect for displaying the flag.
The symbolic meaning of the colors was codified by Congress during a 1976 resolution, defining red for hardiness and courage, white for purity and innocence, and blue for vigilance and justice.
Masonic traditions
The open-lodge public ceremony integrated foundational Masonic traditions, drawing local residents alongside regional fraternal leaders.
Master of Ceremonies John C. White of Stevens Point anchored the formal presentation, leading participants through the traditional Masonic evaluation of the physical flagpole footprint. Masons systematically evaluated the base structure utilizing the symbolic working tools of the stone-mason trade—including the level, the square, and the plumb—to mathematically evaluate the base foundation of the new flagpole.
The event featured an appearance by Grand Master Joseph E. Thompson and Past Grand Master David Ritchie, a pastor from Darlington, who helped facilitate the community presentation.
“Freemasonry is well over 300 years old, existing as one of the oldest institutions in the world,” Ritchie noted, tracing documented historical evidence of the fraternity back to the 1490s. “We are taught to use certain tools out of our lives to build a fitting edifice where God would be pleased to dwell.”
Following the structural blessing, White joined David Forsythe to lead the formal flag-raising sequence before inviting the gathered crowd to join in a collective performance of the national anthem.
White introduced Grand Master Thompson who stepped forward to deliver the day’s headline address, directly connecting his personal patriotism to a lifetime of public service. “And although I’ve never served in the armed services, I spent 40 years in law enforcement honoring my community, my country, and my flag,” Thompson told the crowd. “We are all proud to be Americans.”
Grand Master Thompson emphasized the core values of Freemasonry—Brotherly Love, relief, and truth—noting that the fraternity fundamentally teaches its members to be upstanding citizens who honor their government and support the common good.
Following the Grand Master’s address, Forsythe stepped in to officially conclude the ceremony, thanking the community for their ongoing support and providing final directions to the crowd. Attendees and community members concluded the appreciation event by gathering at the Crystal Cafe in downtown Iola to share a celebratory community meal together.
