I have always loved history and tradition. That’s one of the reasons why I am so proud of my membership in Hermann Sons. Ours is an organization steeped in history and traditions. History was meant to be shared and traditions to be passed on, but these things are meaningless without future possibilities. 

This past month I was reminded of the many possibilities for Hermann Sons’ future as I traveled the state installing officers at local ceremonies.

Corpus Christi is a proud lodge with proud members. Nowhere does that pride shine brighter than in the Hunt family. On the day I was there, four generations, making up more than a dozen members, gathered together celebrating all that is good in their family and in Hermann Sons. This is one of the greatest ways that our future is solidified – traditions of membership passed through a family. And not just on paper, but through active participation in lodge gatherings and in programs like camp and dance. The memories of family and community will be meaningful so that children keep their membership and pass on the traditions to their children.

My travels later took me to Cuero where I talked with Haley, a graduating high school senior. She and her parents talked about how she is ready to start out on that next adventure in life. I reminded her to apply for all the scholarships available from our camp, retirement home and her local lodge. Graduation is a prime example of a time filled with future possibilities. Scholarships offered through Hermann Sons are a demonstration of our commitment to strengthening the communities where our young members will one day live and work and to their endless possibilities to make a positive impact on our organization.

A couple of weekends ago my wife Elizabeth and I were in east Texas visiting with members from Dogwood Trail and Piney Woods lodges. During my remarks to those gathered, Elizabeth asked Kallen, a young Hermann Sons camper we had met earlier, if he would like to share his summer camp experiences. Reluctant at first, he talked about his favorite activities. But as he spoke and his courage grew he became more descriptive of the excitement of camp and his desire to return as a counselor in the future. Meaningful experiences as children promote meaningful experiences as adults.

As I share conversation or listen to stories during my travels I can’t help but think that all of our members’ lives are enriched through their association with Hermann Sons and how they equally enrich our organization. Because of our rich traditions and history, we are poised for exciting possibilities - possibilities of growing our community of members and of making our organization stronger. Together, we are able to create an abundance of possibilities for a strong and prosperous future.