Existing comment:
Obviously, this is a quote from the sign:
The National Memorial Arch at Valley Force.
George Washington, Valley Forge and Freemasonry represent patriotism, freedom and brotherly love to all Freemasons. Washington served as Master of his Masonic Lodge at the same time he was President of the United States. Through the preservation of this National Memorial Arch in 1996-1997, the Freemasons of Pennsylvania sought to honor the memory of George Washington, a national hero, patriot, and prominent Freemason, and to honor the brave men who endured the winter encampment at Valley Forge in 1777-1778.
A National Treasure:
The National Memorial Arch was authorized by Congress in 1910 as a tribute to George Washington and his army who endured the winter encampment at Valley Forge in 1777-1778. It was designed by Paul Phillipe Cret, a prominent Philadelphia architect, and dedicated on June 19, 1917. Although it had stood for nearly 80 years as a symbol of the triumph achieved by Washington, by the mid-1990's the Arch was in need of major structural repairs. It was cordoned off and closed to the public for safety reasons.
During 1996-1997, the Freemasons of Pennsylvania contributed more than $1,500,000 necessary to preserve the Arch to its original grandeur. |