In early 1934, soon after Hitler's rise to power, it became evident that Freemasonry was in danger. In that same year the "Grand Lodge of the Sun" [one of the pre-war German Grand Lodges, located in Bayreuth] realizing the great dangers involved, adopted the little, blue, Forget-Me-Not flower as a substitute for the traditional square and compasses. It was felt the flower would provide brethren with an out-ward means of identification while lessening the risk of possible recognition in public by the Nazis who were iengaged in wholesale confiscation of all Masonic Lodge properties. Freemasonry went undercover and this delicate flower assumed its role as a symbol of Masonry surviving throughout a rein of darkness.

During the ensuing decade of Nazi power a little blue Forget-Me-Not flower worn in a Brother's lapel served as one method whereby brethren could identify each other in public, in cities and concentration camps throughout Europe, the Forget-Me-Not distinguished the lapels of countless brethren who staunchly refused to allow the symbolic Light of Masonry to be completely extinguished.

When the "Grand Lodge of the Sun" was reopened in Bayreuth in 1947 by Past Grand Master Beyer, a little pin in the shape of a Forget-Me-Not was officially adopted as the emblem of that first annual convention of the brethren who had survived the bitter years of semi-darkness to rekindle the Masonic Light.

At the first annual convention of the new United Grand Lodge of Germany AF&AM [VGLvD] in 1948, the pin was adopted as an official Masonic emblem in honor of the thousands of valiant brethren who carried on their Masonic work under adverse conditions. The following year, each delegate to the conference of Grand Masters in Washington, D.C. received one from Dr. Theodor Vogel, Grand Master of the VGLvD.

Thus did a simple flower blossom forth into a symbol of the fraternity and became perhaps the most widely worn emblem among Freemasons in Germany; a pin presented ceremoniously to newly-made Masons in most of our lodges. In the years since adoption, its significance world-wide has been attested to by the tens of thousands of brethren who now display it with meaningful pride.

Presentation card issued by the AMERICAN CANADIAN GRAND LODGE AF&AM within the United Grand Lodge of Germany

From: Rogerson <wildcat@warwick.net> Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2002 4:36 PM Subject: W.W. II GERMAN MASONS = Forget-Me-Not Brothers, Early this year I was presented a Forget-Me-Not emblem and a card that contained an important message of Unity from a brother who presently lives in Germany while in the Armed Forces. He was here to visit his mother and subsequently her funeral. We visited two lodges in Sullivan District, Fallsburg Lodge No. 1122 and Livingston Manor Lodge No. 791. We still remain in contact. I recently E mailed a request for another card with the story behind "this beloved Emblem of the Craft in Germany". The Forget-Me-Not. Why? Because many brethren have expressed interest in this story and asked for a copy. If you have Word, you should be able to read and print it. The card is written in a font size that only a magnifying glass would love. This is a size 12 font. So, Share this with others, print it but give credit to the brother who presented me with the Forget-Me-Not, Clifford Leach, GSwB, Master brocliff@yahoo.com More Light Lodge No. 874 Schveinfurt, Germany http://members.tripod.com/~Morelight/Morelight2.htm I have his mailing address if anyone needs it. It's a true story. It's a great story. Fraternally, William H. Rogerson wildcat@warwick.net Sullivan District D.D.G.M.

Link to More Light Lodge #874