From the Marshal: April 14th - Pan American Day (April 2025)
Pan American Day:
UA Celebration of Unity and Solidarity.
A Historic Origin.
April 14th is a significant date in the American calendar. Over a century ago, in 1890, the first International American Conference was held in Washington D.C., United States, where the Union of American Republics was created, precursor to the Organization of American States (OAS). Since 1931, this date has been celebrated as Pan American Day, uniting the countries of the continent in a spirit of peace, solidarity, and brotherhood.
Masonic Roots.
The idea of Pan-American unity has its roots in the vision of two prominent Freemasons: Francisco de Miranda and Simón Bolívar. In 1798, Miranda founded the Great American Meeting, a lodge that sought to organize ideologically and politically the emancipatory movement. Bolívar, in turn, convened the Congress of Panama in 1826, with the aim of creating an association of American states. This vision of integration also gave rise to the creation of the Inter-American Masonic Confederation (CMI) in 1947, which brings together 94 Masonic Grand Lodges in 26 countries.
A Legacy of Unity.
The CMI promotes an innovative institutional model that seeks to develop the potential of Ibero-American and universal Freemasonry. With nearly half a million members, this organization works to strengthen unity and solidarity among American countries. As Simón Bolívar said in his Jamaica Letter, "It is a grand idea to pretend to form the entire New World into a single nation with a single bond that ties its parts together and with the whole".
Celebrating Unity.
On Pan American Day, we reflect on the importance of unity and solidarity in our continent. It is a call to foster awareness of peaceful and equitable coexistence among all members of our great American Continent. Together, we can work towards a more prosperous and just future for all.
Important Dates.
- April 14, 1890: First International American Conference in Washington D.C.
- April 14, 1947: Creation of the Inter-American Masonic Confederation (CMI).
- April 30, 1948: Creation of the Organization of American States (OAS).
A Message of Unity.
"In the words of Simón Bolívar, "Since it has its origin, a language, customs, and a religion, it should, therefore, have a single government that confederates the different states that are to be formed." On Pan American Day, we renew our commitment to unity and solidarity, working together towards a brighter future for our continent”.Simón Bolívar, Letter from Jamaica. Kingston, September 6, 1815.
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Collaboration/Research by: Bro. Gallen Hernandez
Marshal of California Hispanic & Latin American Research Lodge.
