My Brethren:

It is a great pleasure to start this New Year with such talented officers, I have been honored to serve on the installation team for all the lodges in the district, and I see many new officers occupying these chairs.

2008 will, I’m sure, be very challenging and I am sure the 1^st District will be right there Kabooming.

I would like to see all the officers present at The District Lodge of Instruction, as many items from Grand Lodge will be presented. It is also a good time to meet your counterparts from the other lodges.

Ritual is one of the Items that bond us together as Freemasons, it distinguishes us from other organizations, we must be very proficient and keep our ritual the way our ancestors meant it to be.

I will be looking forward to all your support, and knowledge to make 2008 the best year ever.

 Fraternally

RW James H. Vander Veer DRI