Masonry Magazine April 2006 Page. 25
This past year has truly been remarkable for our nation. We experienced yet another example of the awe of nature as we saw record numbers of hurricanes hit our coastlines. The pure power and devastation from those storms was witnessed by the destruction from Katrina, which will go down as one of the most devastating in history. I was awed by the compassion of Americans as we watched hundreds of thousands respond with aid and support for those who were displaced. America opened its heart and homes to take in fellow citizens devastated by Katrina.
While many differ on the war in Iraq, we all continued to stand behind our troops who make us proud and make the sacrifices to protect America and its liberties. We owe a debt of gratitude to those who have fought and died to keep terrorism away from our shores.
Our nation continues to explore the vastness of space and search for the unknown. Television has an amazing influence on our lives as we danced with the stars and tolerated the "Wife Swap." Reality TV, "Law & Order" and "CSI" seemed to take over the airwaves.
We lost some old friends. We said goodbye to Richard Pryor, Mrs. Robinson, Mr. Miyagi and we beamed Scottie up for his last trip. Lou Rawls and Luther Vandross serenaded us for the last time.
And the inspirations of Rosa Parks, Pope John Paul II and Coretta Scott King will continue beyond their passing.
Bill and Melinda Gates and U2's Bono were named by TIME magazine as "People of the Year." And People magazine named Matthew McConaughey the "Sexiest Man of the Year." Nick Lachey lost his mind by agreeing to divorce Jessica Simpson and, of course, Tom Cruise has just lost his mind.
The Chicago White Sox won the World Series after 88 years without a championship. The Red Sox in 2004, the