The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) has been awarded the prestigious Gold Award of the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), marking the organisation’s outstanding commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. The recognition places UGLE among the UK’s leading supporters of service personnel, veterans and their families, reflecting a bond that stretches back centuries.
This honour follows UGLE’s signing of the Armed Forces Covenant in 2021 at Freemasons’ Hall in Covent Garden, a ceremony led by His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, Grand Master of UGLE. By signing the Covenant, UGLE pledged that those who serve or have served, and their families, will be treated with fairness and respect. The Gold Award now demonstrates how that pledge has been fully realised, ensuring the values of integrity, friendship, respect and service are actively lived across the organisation.
Freemasonry and the Armed Forces have long been intertwined. Famous military Freemasons include the Duke of Wellington, Winston Churchill and Johnson Beharry VC. Remarkably, it is believed that around 14% of all Victoria Cross recipients have been Freemasons, underlining the scale of this historic relationship. Today, countless servicemen and women continue to find a natural home in Freemasonry, where the bonds of camaraderie and shared purpose reflect their military experience.
To celebrate this unique relationship, UGLE has launched a new short film, Freemasonry and the Armed Forces, narrated by Mark Ormrod MBE, the former Royal Marine who became the UK’s first triple amputee to survive the Afghanistan conflict. The film features personal stories from veterans, Invictus Games athletes, and military families, and highlights the Masonic Memorial Garden at the National Memorial Arboretum – a lasting tribute to those who served and sacrificed.
Assistant Grand Master John Thompson reflects: “Standing here among the names and memorials of the fallen, we are reminded that our actions today will always be rooted in respect, gratitude and responsibility. This is your home within Freemasonry.”
The film also highlights Invictus Lodge No. 9960 in York, established by veterans and grounded in military tradition, where service leavers find familiarity and support. Veteran David Wood movingly recalls: “When I left the forces, I was sort of lost and something was missing. Freemasonry gave me back the structure I missed. It’s part of a big family.”
Charitable contributions form another cornerstone of this relationship. Warwickshire Freemasons’ fundraising for Fisher House, a “home away from home” for families of service members receiving treatment at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, has been widely praised. Alistair Carns DSO, OBE, MC, MP, Minister for Veterans and People, said: “The Freemasons have absolutely gone leaps and bounds ahead in helping Fisher House, which provides fantastic accommodation for families to sit next to their loved ones while they’re recovering.”
Personal testimonies from Freemasons and Team GB Invictus athletes Clive Jones and Kemsley Whittlesea further show how Freemasonry provides purpose and fellowship beyond adversity. Clive Jones explained: “Freemasonry supported me personally by giving me that sense of well-being as a veteran. It’s very similar to being in the military – you have camaraderie, friendship and a reason.”
The contribution of women Freemasons is also recognised. Both the Order of Women Freemasons and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2023, underlining their historic and ongoing ties to the military. Through service, remembrance, support and care, women continue to play a vital role in strengthening the connection between Freemasonry and the Armed Forces.
Adrian Marsh, Grand Secretary of UGLE, said: “The relationship between Freemasonry and the Armed Forces is unique and special. This Gold Award is recognition of our long-standing support for those who serve and their families, and we are proud to continue strengthening that bond.”
The new film reflects a relationship built on shared values, strengthened by history and renewed in commitment for the future.Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/NFHDmhYMkKs
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