Knight Templar Easter Observance on East and West Coasts

For the first time, the Knights Templar will be officially sponsoring Easter Sunrise observances on both the East and West Coasts.

The 81st Annual Easter Sunrise Service, sponsored by the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America, will be held on the steps of the George Washington Masonic Memorial, Alexandria, Virginia, on Sunday, April 24, 2011.

The parade will form on the lane leading up the hill and will step off at 7:30AM. The Service will begin at 8:00AM, and will be conducted by Right Eminent Grand Prelate, Sir Knight William D. Hartman.

The headquarters hotel will be the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, Virginia. A breakfast buffet will be served beginning at 6:00 AM at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center on Easter morning. Buses will be available to leave at 6:30 AM, to take the Sir Knights and their ladies to the George Washington Masonic Memorial for the Sunrise Service.

On Saturday, April 23, 2011, at 10:15 AM, the Grand Commandery of Indiana will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery honoring their members who fell in combat as members of the Armed Forces of the United States of America. Additionally, the Grand Commandery of Georgia will lay a wreath at 11:15 AM.

For information on other events and to make reservations, see the Grand Encampment website here.

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In Los Angeles, the West Coast Easter Observance will take place at 9:00AM Sunday, April 24th, at the Shrine Auditorium. The official hotel for the event is the USC Radisson. Los Angeles Commandery No. 9 is the host Commandery, and the Knights will assemble and march in formation down the street from the Raddison Hotel to the Shrine Auditorium.

See the official flyer here.

H/T to Sir Knight Rick Baca, Eminent Commander of Los Angeles Commandery No. 9.

(Photos from the 2010 Easter celebration)