Heroes of ‘76
Initiation Ritual

1985

Opening

MUSIC: 1) Ruffle of drums 2)Assembly
CDR: The Camp will come to order.
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’ s breeze unfurled, 
Here once the embattled farmers stood
And fired the shot heard round the world."
Since no Masonic gathering should ever be held without asking for Divine Guidance, let us be reverently attentive while the Chaplain leads us in prayer.
* * *, All uncover.
Brother Chaplain, attend the Bible and lead us in prayer.
The Chaplain comes forward. opens the Bible to the 11th Chapter of St. Luke, the 21st through the 23rd verses, places the Heroes Medal or Ribbon on the right open page and then facing the Commander prays:
CHAP: Almighty and eternal God, Great Architect of the universe, pour down on this assemblage the continual dew of Thy blessing. Grant unto us strength that we may be steadfast in our loyalty to our Country, strict in our adherence to Masonic Principles and reverent in our devotions to Thee. Endow us with a sanity and a clarity of vision that we may be ever in the right as Thou givest us to see the right. This we ask in Thy Holy Name, AMEN.
All remain standing and recover. Chaplain returns to his seat.
CDR: Brother Chief of Staff, are you assured that all present in the Camp are bonafide members of the heroic order of the Heroes of ‘76?
C/S: While I feel sure that all in our midst are Heroes, I suggest, Sir, that all present be required to give the usual signs and words of the Degree.
CDR: Before giving the signs and words of the Degree, I ask that each member present act as a committee of one to see that there are no imposters in our midst. Observe and see that those in your immediate vicinity give the proper signs and words and report those who appear to be unfamiliar with them. You will now give the usual signs and words of the degree.
Words and signs are given.
CDR: Have any failed to impress the members of the Camp with the fact of their membership?
If anyone is reported as being uncertain, he will be called upon for an explanation. If the explanation is unsatisfactory, the Commander may appoint a board of inquiry or dispose of the matter himself.
CDR: Lieutenants, you will present the colors.
The Lieutenants procure the U.S. and Bennington Flags at the rear of the room, come to the position of "carry", march to the Commander’s station and place the colors. As they approach, all covered Heroes will salute. If miniature flags are used they will be unfurled and placed in stands on the Commander’ a table prior to the opening and this part of the ceremony will be omitted.
CDR: Let us join in pledging allegiance to the flag of the United States of’ America.
While pledging allegiance, those covered will salute, those uncovered place right hand over heart.
CDR: I now declare … Camp, Heroes of ‘76 open. *
 
 
First Section—Heroes Degree

CDR: Brother Chief of Staff, is there any business of importance before this Camp?
C/S: There is, sir.
CDR: What is its nature?
C/S: Sir, there is a member of the Order of National Sojourners who has been caught trying to gain admission to our Camp.
CDR: Brother Chief of Staff, where is this so-called Sojourner?
C/S: He is confined to the guard house under heavy guard, awaiting your orders.
CDR: Brother Officer of the Day, you and the Commander of the Guard will proceed to the guard house and examine this so-called Sojourner as to his eligibility for entrance into our midst as a Recruit.
OOD: Sir, the Commander of the Guard has just returned from the guard house, where he examined the prisoner and found him to be a superior class of man. lie is a member of the order of National Sojourners, therefore eligible to membership in our Camp. He is very desirous of becoming a member. I recommend, sir, that he be received, subject to the customary examination.
CDR: Brother Commander of the Guard, did you go into his history to ascertain his heroic qualities and deeds?
(CT) COG: I did not, Sir. I decided to leave that to the members of the Camp.
CDR: Brother Heroes, you have heard the report of the Officer of the Day; what is your disposition of this prisoner? A motion is in order.
MEMBERS OF THE CAMP (previously selected): I recommend, Sir, that he be admitted as a Recruit, subject to the customary examination.
CDR: Is there a second? Very well; all who concur will say "Aye"; contrary "Nay". The recommendation is unanimous. The prisoner will be admitted as a Recruit, subject to the usual examination for membership in our Order and in this Camp. Brother Officer of the Day, you will direct the Commander of the Guard to proceed to the guard house and prepare the Recruit for entrance to our Camp. The Camp will remain at ease until the arrival of the Recruit.
The Officer of the Day escorts the Commander of the Guard to the door where he is joined by the Lieutenants. Commander of the Guard and the Lieutenants exit, Officer of the Day remains just inside door which is closed by Sentinel, In due time there is a distant roll of drums which becomes progressively louder, finally a loud knock on the door,*.
CDR: Brother Officer of the Day, what is the meaning of all the colmDotion outside the guard lines?
OOD: Sir, a Recruit is at Post No. 1, seeking admission to our Camp.
CDR: Is he alone?
OOD: He is properly escorted, Sir.
CDR: Advance him.
At this point MUSIC is played (preferably a spritely march, either live (drums fife?) or recorded. Following the OOD, enter the Commander of the Guard then the Recruit followed by the lieutenants. The march once around the room, to a place in front of the Commander. The music stops. The OOD moves the Recruit to a place three paces in front of the Commander. ODD, COG, and Lieutenants take their posts.
OOD, saluting Commander: Sir, I report Recruit from the Order of National Sojourners, who desires entrance into … Camp, Heroes of ‘76.
CDR: Brother Officer of the Day, does the Recruit acknowledge the American Flag as the most glorious National emblem that waves over land and sea?
OOD: Recruit, do you acknowledge the American flag as the most glorious National emblem that waves over land and sea?
REC: Ido.
OOD: He does, Commander.
CDR: Brother Officer of the Day, does he have the countersign?
OOD: He has it not, but I have and will give it for him.
CDR: Advance and give the countersign.
OOD: Recruit, about face.
The OOD advances and gives the countersign to the Commander.
CDR: The countersign is correct. Let him be received.
OOD: Recruit, about face.
CDR, addressing Recruit: Brother Recruit, I welcome you to our midst but ensure you that your entrance to full membership will depend entirely upon yourself. Brother Chief of Staff, why are we gathered here?
C/S: To pay tribute to the memory of those gallant Heroes of ‘76 who gave us Liberty and Independence.
CDR: How did they gain for us Liberty and Independence?
C/S: By undying devotion to the cause of Freedom, by unshakable faith in God’s Justice, by ceaseless toil and indescribable privations.
CDR: Where did they practice these truly great Masonic Ideals?
C/S: On land and on sea, everywhere, at Lexington, Concord, Bunker Hill, Ticonderoga, Valley Forge and on the great Atlantic.
CDR: floes not the noble example of those gallant Heroes of Old contain a lesson for the Heroes here assembled?
C/S: It does. To resist tyranny, to uphold justice, to love our Country, to preserve it ideals and to revere the Flag.
CDR: To resist tyranny, uphold justice, to love our Country, to preserve its ideals Commander uncovers and points to colors and to revere the Flag. ... Brother Officer of the Day, you will conduct the Recruit to the Chief of
Staff for further instruction.
At this point, if he is not the Chief of staff, the Hero giving the History takes his position, just to the right or the left of the Commander’s table. The chief of Staff would stand in place while giving the History. The Officer of the Day should face the Recruit toward the lecturer while he speaks.
 

History

C/S: About 1876, Brother B. B. Jones, a Past Grand Master of the Grand lodge of Kentucky, composed a ritual of a side degree and called it the HEROES OF ‘76. Its innocent and enjoyable nature made it most popular with the Craft. A notice in the newspapers announcing a meeting of Heroes after the close of the Lodge always brought out a large attendance.
During the lifetime of Brother Jones, no one conferred the degree but himself. Before his death he gave a copy of the ritual to Brother Thomas J. Flournoy, a Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar, of Kentucky.
After Brother Jones’ death, many craftsman insisted that Brother Flournoy revive the degree. This Brother Flournoy did, confering the degree upon selected Masons of many states. Brother Flournoy passed to the Great Beyond at Rockmart, Georgia, September 5, 1925. Some time before his death, his gave a copy of the ritual to Brother Colonel Christopher Van Deventer, his nephew, with authority to confer the degree upon selected Masons.
Brother Van Deventer, an active Sojourner, considered that the National Sojourners was the logical organization for the custodianship of the ritual, as it is most appropriate to our membership. The degree was therefore instituted in Chicago Chapter in July, 1922, and the first Camp organized there. In June, 1923, George Washington Camp was instituted by Brother Van Deventer and several Heroes from Chicago.
Since that time, Camps have been organized in nearly all of the Chapters of National Sojourners and form an enjoyable part of the Chapter activities. The degree has never been commercialized and the founders never intended that it should have any other purpose than to give enjoyment and innocent pleasure to Brother Masons and Sojourners. It has never had any initiation fees or dues. To receive and retain the degree you mint be a Master Mason and a Sojourner in good standing.
* * *.
ALL: Once a hero, always a hero!!!
C/S: Brother Officer of the Day, you will reconduct this recruit to the Commander.
CDR: My Brother, we do not obligate you in this degree in the manner already familiar to you. Before proceeding further, however, it is necessary for you to agree to certain stipulations, none of which, I am pleased to assure, you, will in any manner conflict with the duty you owe to your Country or your fellow men, nor will they interfere with such obligations as you may heretofore have taken in Masonry. With this assurance on my part, are you willing to proceed?
REC: Answer having been made in the affirmative, the Commander continues:
CDR: You will then take the position of a soldier at attention, place your right band over your heart, and repeat audibly and carefully after me.
CDR: I, pronounce your name in full, agree that I will not confer, nor assist in the conferring of this degree upon anyone who is not a Master Mason and a Sojourner in good standing; that I will not confer nor assist in the conferring of this degree unless there be present at least three Heroes of ’76; that I will newer reveal the secrets of this degree to anyone not lawfully entitled to receive the same; that I will not confer nor assist in the conferring of this degree upon a woman, even though she be the wife, daughter, mother or sister of a Master Mason and Sojourner.
I furthermore promise and agree that should I violate or transgress this binding agreement, I will suffer myself to be subjected to the penalty of this degree which is the execution of the grip in its complete form, as will hereafter be explained to me.
To all of this I solemnly, sincerely, unqualifiedly and willingly agree without any mental hesitation or secret evasion whatsoever.
CDR, *: Brother Chief of Staff, will you now give the lecture.
NOTE: During the succeeding lectures, designated Heroes speak from their positions. The OOD uses military commands to cause the Recruit to face each Lecturer. If the speaking parts have not been fully memorized it is better to have the Recruit face the Commander and have the parts "dramatically" read from behind the Recruit. Parts may be further assigned so that one Hero asks the "Who was it?" and another gives the "It was". A minimum of three should participate with #1 asking, #2 answering, # 3 asking, # 4 (or # 1) answering, # 5 (or # 2) asking, # 6 (or # 3) answering, etc. This not only is more effective, but increases participation and stimulates interest.
WASHINGTON: This Degree, my Brother, was instituted for the purpose of perpetuating the memory of our Brethren who figured so conspicuously during our Revolutionary struggle. We should never forget who it was, that quitting the peaceful shades of Vernon’s Hill, with all the pleasure that wealth could purchase, friendship offer, and domestic felicity afford, placed himself at the head of our Armies, at the unanimous call of his countrymen and contended many years for our Liberties and Independence, until victory at last crowned his efforts with success.
ANS: It was WASHINGTON, who was a Mason, and who ever delighted to meet his Brethren upon the level and part with them upon the square.
WARREN: Who was it, quitting the peaceful pursuits of private life, a useful, honorable and lucrative profession, assumed the sword and fell in defense of our Liberties at Bunker Hill?
ANS: It was WARREN, who was our Brother and at the head of our Order in his native state, when the Angel of Death threw her mantle over his prostrate form.
"Ah, many a noble heart was hushed
In the battle’s din that day;
And many a long life’s hope was crushed
In that dark and sad array;
But never a heart more brave and true
Than the martyred Heroes who fell,
The first in the cause of Liberty
On the heights of Bunker Hill.
It swept the country like a funeral knell,
The sorrowful tidings—How WARREN fell."
FRANKLIN: Who was it that by his discoveries in electricity gained a high place in Fame’s Temple? Who was it by his exertions raised himself from the humblest walks of life to the highest eminence as a statesman? Who was it, in fine, who snatched the thunderbolt from Jove and the scepter from tyrants?
ANS: It was FRANKLIN who was our Brother, and at one time Grand Master of Masons in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
JONES: Who was it when defeat seemed certain said, "I have not yet begun to fight?" Who was it that stood on the deck of a vanquished vessel and watched his own victorious ship sink gloriously beneath the waves?
ANS: It was JOHN PAUL JONES who was our brother and the Father of the American Navy.
REVERE: Who was it that made the famous ride which called the Minute Man to aims? Who was it that by his cunning fabrications and in— valuable knowledge of metals helped to gain our Country’ a Independence?
ANS: It was PAUL REVERE who was our Brother and at one time Grand Master of Masons in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
NOTE: (Optional) Camps named for a Masonic Hero of the Revolution mar insert their approved "Who was It" and "Answer" at this point.
C/S: WASHINGTON, WARREN, FRANKLIN, JONES and REVERE were Masons, whose virtuous labors in public and private life deserve our esteem, our admiration and our gratitude. Let us pause for a moment in the midst of our ceremonies and pay silent tribute to the memory of those gallant patriots of the Revolution, as well as to all Heroes of ‘76, who have followed in their footsteps, and——
CT: * * *. All uncover and bow heads.
C/S: "Who now rest on Fame’s eternal camping ground,
Where their silent tents are spread,
While Glory guards with solemn round
The Bivouac of the Dead."
Muted TAPS is played. (NOTE: If Taps is not available, other solemn music may be played or a moment of silence may be observed.
*.
AC/S: How sink the potent patriots of these days when compared with those who, during our struggle for Independence, might have been tracked by the blood which at every step distilled its crimson currents from their naked and weary feet.
Although their clothes consisted of "shreds and patches" of every color, ripped and torn, barefoot and hungry, they redeemed us from slavery. With soldiers thus accoutered our Brethren, WASHINGTON, WARREN, MONTGOMERY, CLINTON, LEE, LAFAYETTE and others, conquered the best appointed armies that Great Britain had ever sent into the field. Patriots of every age and country should repeat this story to their children, while we, as Sojourners, should rejoice that the principal actors in those times of peril were our brethren.
OOD: Recruit, about face. At ease.
CDR: Brother Adjutant, earlier in this Bivouac, you were instructed to compose a list of distinguished Heroes and Sojourners and of all visiting Heroes present in our midst. You will read the list and as their names are called I ask that they stand so all may see them whilst being duly received by the Commander in the name of … Camp, Heroes of ‘76.
ADJ: Reads list (visiting Heroes first, then Past Commanders with the names of Camps they commanded, then current Commanders and Camp names, then National Sojourner Regional/Area Representatives and National Officers, the Past National Commanders, and finally Heroes National Line Officers, starting with the junior present, if more than one). As each arises he will come to attention and exchange salutes with the Camp Commander.
CDR: Will any other Visiting Hero whose name was not read please stand, announce his name, Camp and its location?
The Commander will then greet them briefly, giving a previously selected VIP the opportunity to respond for the group, if desired.
OOD: Recruit, about face.
CDR: Brother …, will you please give the "Toast to the Flag".
* * *. All salute if covered, place right hand over heart if uncovered.
TOAST: The "Toast" will be given from memory with the speaker standing next to the Flag, uncovered and either pointing or touching/pointing as he speaks.
*
CDR: Brother Officer of the Day, you will reconduct the Recruit to the guard house and see that he is properly prepared for his second entrance into this Camp.
OOD gives Recruit proper facing movement. Forward March, and escorts him to the guard house. March music mar be glared at this time; as soon as the Recruit is out of the room the music/drums cease.
CDR: Brother Chief of Staff, you will arrange the Camp for the reception of the Recruit. The Camp will be at ease.
 

Second Section—Heroes Degree
 
NOTE: Room should be dimly lighted (candles are best) for proper control and effect.
*.
CDR: The Camp wilt come to order! The next part of our ceremonies will be the further initiation and acceptance of Recruit as a Hero of ‘76.
At this time any special handling instructions and information about the Recruit (including significant medical condition/history should be communicated to the Camp. The Recruit’s Sponsor is identified and pro/con voting discussion/instructions are covered.
CDR: Brother Officer of the Day, bring in the Recruit.
MUSIC while OOD goes to Guard House and returns with Recruit. One knock on the door, Sentinel opens door and OOD enters with Recruit. If space permits, the Recruit (who is hoodwinked and barefoot) should be led around the room by Chief of Staff as Recruit passes the Commander) and "E.I.A.R." (given by the Officer of the Day——the Camp may join in the response if desired). In some cases the pace can be stepped up until the Recruit is nearly running, or he can encounter minor obstacles such as ice from the "D". The Recruit is led to a spot directly in front of the Commander and in position to cross the " D".
OOD: Brother Commander, I have the pleasure of presenting to you and to this Camp of Heroes of ‘76, Recruit ….
CDR: Recruit, you will state your name, rank and organization.
Wait until all answers are given, then, if incorrect, signal Camp to react. Continued incorrect responses here and subsequently can properly result, with the encouragement of the Camp and the Order of the Commander, in the OOD assisting the Recruit to "Take one step forward", and cross the "D". in order to "stimulate his thinking" end ensure the necessary flow of vital juices." Inquiry as to the temperature of the "D" are in order. Remove from "D" when proper answers are given or prudent judgment dictates.
After satisfactory answer to above:
CDR: Are you a Master Mason and a Sojourner in good standing?
After receiving an affirmative answer. the Recruit may be required, with the assistance of the OOD to present proof of membership.
CDR: By what further right or benefit do you seek admission to this Camp?
In response to this question. Recruit must present his orders. The longer it takes him to realize this, the more "interesting" things can become. He then presents, with the assistance of the OOD, items required in his Orders, and is reported upon by the Investigating Officer who includes references to Recruit’s "alias" and "retreat". Various well thought-out "planted" questions can be asked by Camp members. Extemporaneous questions are in order but extreme care must be taken not to embarrass both the Recruit and the Camp. No vulgarity will be permitted by the Commander who will "control" the Camp by hand motions. After minimum requirements have been met the Recruit will present his "Heroic Deed" while facing the Camp, and with hoodwink removed. Candlelight or very dim lights are removed, so that faces of Heroes are indistinct, but the Recruit can be clearly seen.
The Commander will prepare the Recruit for his Heroic Deed as follows:
CDR: Brother Officer of the Day, remove the Recruit’s hoodwink.
After OOD removes hoodwink the Commander continues. The following may be paraphrased inasmuch as sincerity is of the essence. The important thing is that the Recruit is convinced frivolity has ended:
CDR: We have now come to the serious part of our Degree. We have had some levity at your expense, but that is now past. You now stand as each Hero present has at one time stood. To be considered for membership in this Camp of Heroes you must recite an heroic deed which you yourself performed. It need not have happened on active duty, or even since you attained your majority, but it must be acceptable to the Heroes here assembled. We will judge whether it is in fact heroic, but your acceptance into this Camp depends on it. Do you understand?
I am going to face you about to present your heroic deed to the Camp. You may consider for a few seconds, then proceed. Recruit, about face.
Commander continues to control Camp members with hand movements. Camp should listen attentively while Recruit presents his deed. If Recruit is not serious the Commander may reinstruct him or may have him removed to the guard house for further instruction by his Sponsor or the OOD. When the Recruit has resented the serious deed on which he desires to "stand", he may be questioned on it. At this time his Sponsor and members of the Camp begin to "take sides". His previous performance should be discussed. The vote is now taken. Three votes are normally used. Final must be unanimous. "Dissidents" may withdraw, refrain from voting or join the majority. Sponsor and friends may indulge in discussions as to the actions and motives of others, including service branch, rank, length of "attitude adjustment hour", etc. between votes. Commander, behind Recruit as both face Camp controls the action.
VIPs present may discuss "Charter arrest". After final vote the Commander comes around the table and with the assistance of the OOD escorts the Recruit toward the door. As they walk, he places his hand on the Recruit’s shoulder and says: (may also be paraphrased as sincerity is of the essence):
CDR: My Brother, I am sorry, but what can I do? You have heard the verdict of these Heroes. I would like to remind you that you took a solemn obligation not to repeat the secrets of this Degree. Your previous obligations in Masonry still apply here. This last part of the Degree was to impress upon you the meaning of Humility.
Hence, I am authorized to inform you that the vote you have just heard is the way we accept Recruits. You have been, in fact, unanimously elected and I congratulate you.
Brother Officer of the Day, return Brother … to the guard house, see that he is reinvested with that which he has been divested, then return him to the Camp f or further instruction.
Neck sign is removed from new Hero.
This is an appropriate time for Heroes to congratulate their newest member.
If there are two Recruits, the first Recruit is seated inconspicuously among the Heroes while the second Recruit receives the Second Section, A break now may be taken—otherwise proceed with the Third Section.
 

Third Section

The Commander takes his place at his table where he will face the candidate upon his return. Space permitting the Hero audience may move in closer, or even behind the commander to observe the reactions of the new Hero during this section.
If two candidates, they may receive the Third Section together with assistance, as required, of other Camp Officers.
OOD returns the newly elected Hero who is placed before the Commander.
CDR: My Brother, in the furtherance of this Degree, you may suffer a loss, but the benefits to be derived from the knowledge of this will, I assure you, more Than compensate you for any loss you may sue tam. With this assurance on my part, are you willing to continue this degree?
Answer having been made in the affirmative, the Commander will continue.
CDR: Throughout the remainder of your initiation, you will continue to gaze fixedly at the Flag of our Country. Brother Lieutenants, you will take your posts and prepare the candidate.
The Lieutenants place Recruit in proper position, legs wide spread, both hands on Commander’s table, and hold him there. admonishing him to "look at the flag."
SRLT: In order, Commander.
The Commander now picks up "K"s (or "K" and "S") which should be of the large type, moving same back and forth against each other with sharpening motion while he addresses the Recruit.
CDR: No doubt, my Brother, this portion of our ceremony may seem strange to you, but its symbolic purpose will in due time be fully explained.
Commander begins to walk around the table to the rear of the candidate’s position. The Commander will be assisted by the Chief of Staff and the Assistant Chief of Staff (who have proceded him) changing "K"s for "C". A good realistic "C" mist be tested prior to Third Section.
CDR: Heroes of’ the Revolution, guided by the eternal principles of TRUTH, JUSTICE and PATRIOTISM, sought to exalt their country and succeeded in their efforts.
Commander should now be behind Recruit, and as he uses "C" realistically "aerosol" may be used, but practice with "one shot" necessary for effectiveness. A good "C" by itself is usually very effective if properly used, he continues:
CDR: Although their clothes consisted of shreds and patches of every color, ripped and torn, barefoot and hungry, they redeemed us from slavery.
If two Recruits, proceed to second Recruit and repeat "loss action". The Commander takes "P", which must "match" for proper effect on Recruit, from one of the assistants, exchanges "C" for other tools, then walks around behind his table and addresses the Adjutant who moves to receive "P".
CDR: Brother Adjutant, you will place this "P" in the archives as a momento that Recruit has this day been made a Hero of ’76 and a member of this Camp. Lieutenants, you may release the candidate.
Brother …, I-E-A-R?
The Commander may repeat this query, once or twice if necessary. The Commander may state "You may ascertain." Quietness should be maintained during this work and sufficient time be allowed for the Recruit to give the sign. If the Recruit does not give the sign the OOD may assist him.
CDR: I now desire to invest you with the SIGNS, WORDS, and GRIPS of this Degree. Many Recruits give (or "You gave") the FIRST SIGN of this degree correctly, which is …. The words which accompany this sign are "I—E—A—R". Since you found everything to your satisfaction, you responded "E—I—A—R". The GRIP of this degree is the usual grip of a gentleman and good fellow. In its complete form, you raise your T… to meet mine. The PENALTY for violating your obligation is the execution of the GRIP in its complete form which is that these T… be …. The GRIP in its complete form gives the SECOND SIGN of this Degree, which is …, symbolically signifying … the old …. Your attention is invited to that time to your obligation, wherein you agreed never to confer this Degree upon anyone except he be a Mason and a Sojourner in good standing, and unless there be at least three Heroes present. You further agreed never to confer this degree upon a woman. It is needless to remind you that no true Hero will confer this degree upon a woman with three Heroes present.
C/S: I now desire to present you with the WORKING TOOLS of this Degree. The working tools are the K… and the Common C…. The K… is given to us as an instrument to cut away the knots and rough places we find in life; the C… to untangle the skeins which bind us to trouble and sorrow. Both symbolically represent our desire to make life more smooth and happy for our members and to clear the mental paths of others, in order that the road to the Valley toward the West will be more pleasant to travel.
CDR: Brother Adjutant, you will present the new Hero with a membership card of this Camp and the Emblematic Ribbon of the Heroes of ‘76.
ADJ: Brother …, I now present you with your membership card, duly signed and authenticated. Care for it in order that it may not be damaged or destroyed. Replacement is extremely difficult and may only be approved by National Headquarters. This Ribbon is the official Ribbon of the Order. You may also purchase a Heroes Medal which I have for sale. You must wear either this Ribbon or a Heroes Medal at each future Bivouac or Encampment of Heroes. Failure to do so may cause you to be subject to a fine of twenty-five cents.
Commander then shakes hands with new Hero and welcomes him into Camp of Heroes of ‘76.This welcome and charge are not prescribed, but are left to the Camp Commander to compose and deliver. Careful thought should be given, for when adequate this speech can well determine the full activity of the new Hero in the years ahead. This is an appropriate time to present the new Hero with a copy of the Official Manual. Experience has indicated future effectiveness is dramatically increased by such action.
CDR: Welcome into … Camp of Heroes of ‘76. …
The Commander may then declare a short recess so that the Members may greet the newly-made Hero.
 

Closing

CDR: Brother Chief of Staff, is there any further business before this camp?
C/S: NOTE: States date and lace of next Bivouac, Encampment, other pertinent activity or matters of interest to all.
CDR: There being no further business before this Camp, we will now give the usual signs and words of the Degree of the Heroes of ‘76.
* * *. The signs and words are given.
CDR: Brother Chaplain, will you attend the Bible and lead us in a closing prayer?
All uncover. The Chaplain advances to Commander’s Table, closes Bible, faces about and prays.
CHAP: Great and Grand Commander to us all, to Thy care we commend these, our Brethren, as they wend their separate ways. May the deliberations of this meeting give them stronger friendships, freedom from restraint in their future associations, and a deeper love for their Country and for Thee. This we ask in all humility and reverence. AMEN.
CDR: Lieutenants, retire the Colors.
The Lieutenants procure the flags, and flanked by the OOD and COG, march out of the room with the colors. Music may properly be utilized during movement of the colors. If the Camp has no large flags, then this portion is omitted.
CDR: I now declare this Bivouac of Camp of Heroes of ‘76 (or this Encampment of Heroes of ‘76) duly closed.
*.

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