WEST POINT – Members of the Benjamin A. Gilman Lodge of Perfection, Valley of Hudson joined with Congressman Gilman’s widow Georgia, friends and former staff to honor the memory and legacy of the congressman with a wreath at his graveside.
Gilman served in the United States Army Air Corps from 1942 until 1945 during World War II. During that conflict, he flew 35 missions over Japan, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters.
Brother Marc F. Eskridge 32°, Thrice Potent Master, of the Benjamin A. Gilman Lodge of Perfection, commented on the remarkable career and contributions of Brother Gilman. “ He was an inspiration to generations of public servants authoring the Presidential Commission on Hunger, twice a Congressional Delegate to the United Nations, and was honored by the United States Department of State with the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship for International Studies. He epitomized the idea of service above self, something Masons the world over strive for each and every day.”
A formal wreath presentation was then made at the gravesite.
In closing, Eskridge said, “ Now that the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite has renamed the Middletown Lodge of Perfection to honor his name, his memory will now live forever in the hearts of all who are brothers in the lodge and all those who follow going forward for many years to come. Illustrious Brother Ben has set a high bar for all to aspire to. As Masons we will never
forget his contributions to the lodge and to the country he loved.”
Also in attendance was Gilman’s widow, Georgia Gilman, their son Peter Tingus, Lodge of Perfection members, Davon Alston, Tom Sharkey and Mrs. Meryl Eskridge and Dina Valentin as well as several of Gilman’s grandchildren.
Gilman, who represented Orange and Rockland counties in the United States House of Representatives longer than any member in the history of the Republic, was a proud member of Middletown’s Hoffmann Masonic Lodge and a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason.
