Second Seminole War’s “Honor to the Dead” 1842 Commemoration
Zephyrhills Freemasons pay tribute to their fallen Brothers.
By Susan Slater
“Honor to the Dead” 1842 Commemoration is a moving tribute to those who lost their lives during the Second Seminole War, held at the historic St. Augustine National Cemetery nowNational Guard Headquarters.
This event brings together historians, living historians, freemasons and townspeople determined to keep the memory of the war’s dead alive. Participants retrace the historic path of remembrance.
Last year, Richard Anderson, VP, Dade Battlefield Society approached Dr. Rick Weil with the question of whether freemasons participated in Commemoration. Dr. Weil, Worshipful Master, Zephyrhills Lodge #198,history professor, and Master Mason Scholar researched for months.
He discoveredDr. Daniel Winchester Whitehurst, from St John’s Masonic Lodge #12 in St. Augustine. Freemasons were a part of the original 1842 burial but had not been for 182 years.
On the eve of the parade, Dr. Rick Weil gave a scholarly speech at Flagler College’s historic Markland House. He shed light on Dr. Whitehurst’s unique contributions to the commemoration. Dr. Weil also presented Alison Simpson, Command Historian, Florida National Guard, a trinket box in gratitude of 30,000 Freemasons.
August 16,2025,marked asecond-year freemasons honored their commitment to continually participate in this ceremony. Historians, West Point Society of North Florida, and Seminole War Foundation created this event as a living tapestry of remembrance, now with fraternal honor.
The next day commences the parade, a symbolic reenactment, which winds its way through St. Augustine’s storied streets, culminating at the pyramids within the National Cemetery. These pyramids, striking in their form and presence, cover three burial vaults.
“This is my second year. It is an honor to be a part of it,” said Worshipful Master for the parade, David Lawrence of Pearl of the West Lodge in New Port Richey.
“It is definitely an honor to be here,” said Jeremy Picott from Newfoundland’s Cornerstone Lodge #11. Picott recently joined the Zephyrhills Lodge #198. “I am excited to be a part of the placing of the acacia on the pyramids, and very excited about the city.”
Led by General Robert E. Lee, The Navy Contingency, JROTC Color Guard, a drummer, Freemasons, Sea Cadets, and townspeople, all came together in tribute. Officers took their places along the parade route, rendering crisp salutes as the columns passed. A cannon fired as the assembly entered the cemetery.
The haunting strains of bagpipes began as theNavy Contingencywreath bearersand speakers assembled.Host Simpson introduced speakers Nicole Claar, Administrative Officer for Jacksonville & St. Augustine Cemeteries who spoke of the hostility in the Seminole wars and remains of soldiers who fell under Major Dade having to be collected and brought to St. Augustine’s National Cemetery.
“Freemasons form an oblong square around the pyramids and deposit the sprig of acacia onto the pyramids,” said Dr. Rick Weil, who spoke of the actual event, originally led by Dr. Whitehurst. In Freemasonry the sprig is a symbol of immortality and resurrection.
The last speaker of the day was the Honorable Judge Howard O. McGillan, graduate of West Point, who spoke of tying the past to the present. He reminisced about his times in parades and their meanings, how they honored those passed.
Following the ceremony, participants gathered for lunch at the National Guard Headquarters.Emmett and Tater, two mules, were honored for their significant role in the parades and their retirement. Ray Thorntonwas also commemorated in the year’s commemorative coin, which depicted him placing the sprig of acacia upon the pyramids.
“I am honored to be here after all this time,” said Ray Thornton, past London Grand Ranking Master and member of Lodge #198 Zephyrhills.
The legacy of sacrifice and honor of their brothers for generations to come will breathe new life into memorials that honor generations past.
