Memorial Day in Middletown: A Touching Tribute to Worshipful Bill Wood

Beneath the crisp Virginia sky, the Middletown Veterans Memorial stood bathed in the solemnity of Memorial Day. The air thrummed with a quiet reverence as the community gathered to honor those who had paid the ultimate price in service to their country. This year, the ceremony carried a deeper weight, marked by the recent passing of Worshipful William Wood, affectionately known as Bill, a cherished member of the local Masonic brotherhood.

Ray Steele started off the ceremony, dressed in his Masonic Royal Arch red jacket. As the ceremony unfolded, Bill’s presence was palpable in the shared memories and the unspoken bonds forged in the crucible of Masonic teachings. He had touched countless lives, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering dedication and unwavering spirit.

We have a family with us – Mr. William Woods’ family. I’m going to tell you a little about this gentlemen, and why the family is with us today.

Bill Wood was with the United States Army. He’s was from Front Royal. He’s still with us. In spirit he is with us. His activity during World War II, his service from June 1943 to March 1946. He served in Central Roland with the 313th infantry, 80th division.

He received the following medals: The American Theatre Medal, Victory Medal, European–African–Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with two service stars, Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct, Purple Heart for Conduct Wounds received at Castle Germany April 3, 1945.

Brother Bill died at the age of 99. He is sorely missed by his family and everyone who knew him. He was a lifelong Master Mason and member of Unity Masonic Lodge Number 146 and other appendant bodies. He belonged to Hiram 45 Royal Arch Masons, as well as other civic and fraternal groups. Brother Bill coached many of his peers for more years than I can remember.

Today we honor his memory by placing an 8×8 brick in this memorial. As you can see by the group of his brothers and family here assembled, Bill was a beloved brother and family man. I would like to ask members of his family to please come forward and reveal his brick.

Raymond Steele

The culmination of the ceremony arrived with a poignant moment. Bill’s family, their faces etched with grief and pride, approached a designated area within the memorial. With a gentle hand, the paper covering a section of the brickwork was removed, revealing a newly placed brick, its surface bearing a permanent inscription.

The inscription stood as a silent testament to Bill’s courage and sacrifice, a permanent etching in the heart of the memorial and the hearts of all who knew him. Masons from all lodges within District 3 stood witness, their faces reflecting a spectrum of emotions: sadness, pride, and a deep sense of shared brotherhood. For many, Bill had been more than just a fellow Mason; he was a mentor, a confidant, and a friend whose Masonic teachings had shaped their lives in profound ways.

The sight of the assembled Masons was a powerful symbol of unity. Blue lodge brothers stood in their crisp suits, their faces solemn. Royal Arch Masons donned their distinctive red jackets, adding a splash of color to the somber scene. Commandery Masons, resplendent in their full uniforms, exuded an air of dignity and respect. Also present were members of the Brazen Pillars Chapter of the Widows Sons International Motorcycle Association. The diversity of attire, while distinct, served to underscore the underlying unity of their brotherhood, a bond forged in shared values and unwavering commitment.

As the ceremony concluded, the Masons gathered for a final act of remembrance. In front of the newly unveiled brick, they posed for a photograph, a collective portrait etched against the backdrop of the memorial. It was a poignant image, capturing not only the grief for a lost brother but also the enduring strength of their shared bond, a testament to the values that Bill had so passionately championed.

The Memorial Day ceremony in Middletown was a deeply moving experience, a day to honor the fallen and celebrate the lives of those who served. It was a day to remember Bill Wood, a man who embodied the best of the Masonic spirit, and a day to reaffirm the enduring power of brotherhood in the face of loss.

I do not know many other ways to honor a man who had given so much and meant so much to alot of us. Knowing he will now be forever recognized at the Middletown Veteran’s Memorial is truly a sincere thank you for all he has done for our freedoms and to everyone he has ever met. Wor Bill Wood we again thank you! Until we see each other again.

Worshipful Will Bryan

While the ceremony may have ended, the memory of Bill Wood and the spirit of community he fostered will continue to resonate within the walls of the Middletown Veterans Memorial and the hearts of all who knew him. His legacy, like the newly unveiled brick, will stand as a lasting tribute to a life well lived and a service to his country that will never be forgotten.