DECLARING FEBRUARY 26, 2001 AS MASONIC AWARENESS DAY AND REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO DECLARE MASONIC AWARENESS DAY.

WHEREAS, Montezuma lodge number 1, ancient free and accepted Masons, has been an active agent for the betterment of New Mexico since May 8, 1851; and

WHEREAS, each year, members of the Masonic fraternity give unselfishly of their time, helping to shape the character of their town, state and nation through their efforts in numerous community, civic and charitable activities, fundraising and volunteer services on behalf of the developmentally disabled, the physically handicapped, burn victims, the poor, the disadvantaged and so many more; and

WHEREAS, the tenets of freemasonry teach the universal principles of unselfish friendship, promote those moral precepts that are in keeping with all great faiths and nurture the values upon which this state and nation were founded, and as demonstrated by Montezuma lodge number 1 through the dedication of its membership and its continuing charitable and educational activities, have greatly contributed to the general welfare of the citizens of New Mexico;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that recognition be extended to Montezuma lodge number 1 for its one hundred fifty years of continuous and devoted service to God and fellow man, and that February 26, 2001 be declared "Masonic Awareness Day"; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the governor be requested to proclaim February 26, 2001 as Masonic Awareness Day; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor and to Montezuma lodge number 1.