Speech Fragment of Senator Harry S. Truman

The question of whether or not Freemasonry should participate in activities to assist the government in the rehabilitation and reconstruction program after the war, or should continue its pre-war course without reference to post-war conditions is one which is now provoking serious thought and dis- cussion among Masons throughout the nation. In my capacity as a representative of the people in the United States Senate, I have devoted much time and study to the ever-broadening scope of the responsibilities and opportunities of our government, and of each of her citizens, in the rebuilding of our national economy and the reconstruction of a war-torn world. As a legislator, these are problems which I must assist in solving to the best of my ability. As a Mason, I am also confronted--along with my brothers in the Order-wwith a responsibility toward these same questions. But, in my opinion, ny responsibility as Masons is from the standpoint of eash one anx of us as our individuals and not from the standpoint of Freemasonry, the organization. Our training in Masonry is to the end that we shall become better citizens through the practice of Masonic principles in our daily contacts with our fellowmen. Thus, as individuals, we become better equipped for service (1) THANKS