With You Through Life -- Louisiana Woodmen of the World Jurisdictional Convention

     I always look forward to the Louisiana Jurisdictional Conventions.  Every two years, members of Woodmen of the World from across the state gather to enjoy great food, great friends, fraternalism and outstanding patriotism.

     In the days of yesteryear, you were greeted with Sovereign, secret passwords, and gestures.  While those formalities may have been lost today, you are still greeted with just as many hugs and smiles as if you were long lost relatives.  Woodmen really is an extension of family.  A family fraternity.  A family of fraternalists that are dedicated to helping others.  Together.  Fraternalists that have a strong sense of American Pride and Patriotism.  As one of the nations leading fraternal benefit societies, Woodmen of the World strives to provide it's members with financial security through every stage in life.  Woodmen is also one of the nations leading provider of American Flags (second only to the US Government). 


     This year I worked with the New Roads Woodmen and helped out with the pre-convention festivities.  Ok, ok. I took more pictures than I did work.  This is a hard working, dedicated group of fraternalists that I am proud to be a part of.
 
And the FOOD!? AH-mazing.
 

 

 

 

One of the main attractions (aside from the cracklin's) is the pulled bread made by the ladies of the New Roads Lodge.  I mean, who doesn't love fried dough with powdered sugar on top?!

 

Our fabulous President of the Ladies Lodge, Kathy, always working.  Your hard work and dedication is an inspiration to Woodmen everywhere.

I love the smells during the Louisiana Jurisdictional Woodmen Convention.  Oh if only this was scratch-n-sniff...

Saturday brings the Official opening of the Convention.  And with that, meetings.  I love hearing the report from the Jurisdictional President.  Hearing about the fabulous time they've had meeting other fraternalists and traveling around the state.  The President's Message from Home Office is a welcome sight as well.  It's overwhelming to hear about the financial security and community involvement Woodmen has had over the past couple of years since the last convention.  Disaster relief (partnered with the Red Cross), American Flag dedications, donations and presentations, and other volunteer community service. 
 
Then the Banquet.  I always look forward to seeing the Jurisdictional Officers parade in.  Ever since I was a little girl.  All dressed up and holding hands with my Grandfather and Dad at our banquet table.  Sharing hot tea with my Grandmother while everyone else sipped their coffee.  This year, the spirit of my Grandfather and Dad hugged the room.  Both amazing fraternalists of the past.  I sipped my hot tea while holding my Grandmother's hand.
 

The delegates of the men's and women's New Roads Lodges (minus the Jurisdictional Officers)

 
You can see more of my Louisiana Jurisdictional Woodmen of the World Convention pictures here Pin It