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My
brothers, I stand before you at this sacred DeMolay altar so
that I may explain to you the symbolism of the beautiful
insignia of our Order.
The insignia was designed by the founder of our great Order,
"DAD" Frank S. Land. He designed it as a pin and symbol that
recognizes us as DeMolays. This emblem is to be worn only by
DeMolays and their representatives. Every part of this insignia
has a particular significance, and we as DeMolays should know
them by heart.
The CROWN is symbolic of the Crown of Youth and constantly
reminds a DeMolay of his obligations and the seven precepts of
his Order: Filial Love, Reverence for Sacred Things, Courtesy,
Comradeship, Fidelity, Cleanness and Patriotism.
The TEN PRECIOUS STONES of the crown honor our founder, Frank S.
Land and the nine youths whose ties of friendship drew them
together in the formation of the Order of DeMolay. The Red
Rubies honor those who have passed away. Pearls represented
those living members of the original nine DeMolays. When, as to
every man, the final summons came for each one of this honored
group, a red ruby took the place of a pearl.
The HELMET is emblematic of chivalry which we as DeMolays
display through our Courtesy and respect for womanhood and
without which there can be no fineness of character.
The CRESCENT is a sign of secrecy and constantly reminds
DeMolays of their duty never to reveal the secrets of our Order
or to betray the confidence of a friend.
The five-armed WHITE CROSS symbolizes the purity of your
intentions to always remember the motto of the Order, "No
DeMolay shall fail as a citizen, as a leader and as a man."
The CROSSED SWORDS denote justice, fortitude, and mercy. They
symbolize the increasing warfare of DeMolays against arrogance,
despotism, and intolerance.
The STARS surrounding the crescent are symbolic of hope and
should always remind us of those obligations and duties which
one brother of the Order owes to another.
Be
sure to wear this insignia proudly, whether it be on a pin or a
crest. Don’t wear it any place where you would be ashamed to
take your mother or your sister. Remember, in all humility, when
you wear this emblem, you are representing and speaking for over
three million other DeMolays scattered throughout the world, who
cannot, for the moment, speak for themselves. |