Morning Grand Assembly Day 7/18/2020

On July 18, 2020 early in the morning (too early for me) I took off with my mom to Richmond for this year’s Grand Assembly day.  It was so different from any VA Grand Assembly I had gone to before since this one occurred amid a global pandemic.  We arrived a little before 9am and I got changed into my grand officer dress (in the car) for the morning session.  Everything was so different since I had to walk into the building wearing a mask.  After that I had to have a temperature check, then I had to go to another table and answer questions to find out if I was at risk of having or spreading the virus.  Finally, before being able to go into the assembly room I had to be checked off a list of invited people.  The morning consisted of initiation, the memorial service, and some speeches.  Then we were released for lunch before the afternoon session.

Isabella C.

Afternoon Grand Assembly Day 7/18/2020

The afternoon session for Grand Assembly Day started out rushed.  We had very little time for lunch and I ended up going to Subway at a nearby shopping center to get something since there could be no food at the lodge.  I only ate part of my lunch before we had to leave since the grand officers needed to be back at the lodge for practice.  I made it, but I think I was 2 minutes late.  I was just glad that I was not the last one to get back from lunch.  The afternoon session had the Book of Memories and the installation for the 2020 – 2021 grand year. 

Thankfully, there was a break between the Book of Memories and the installation.  I was able to change and get everything ready for the mascot presentation.  However, the surprise was on me because I found out that just as I was about to walk into the installation ceremony, I was told that I had to present the mascot to the new GWA myself.  It made for an interesting afternoon.  When everything was done, I was definitely happy that all went well and that I could stop by Sonic on the way home for something else to eat and not be rushed.  Congratulations to all the 2019 – 2020 grand officers for a great year and to all the 2020 – 2021 grand officers for your new appointments!

Isabella C.

Hi guys it’s Ella and I am going to tell you about Grand Assembly. It was sad that we could not all be there and that we had to wear masks but those of you that stayed home are lucky because it was super, super hot in those masks.  It was a super special day to me because it was my initiation! It was also special because my friends initiated me.  I just wish Katie could have held my hand!  Overall Grand Aassembly was a success!!! Thank you, Dad Joe and Dad Fussell, for working hard to get us a place where we could meet.  I think you all should come next year if stuff gets back to normal!

In Rainbow Love and Service, 

Ella, Ashburn #11