The Sixth Assembly of the Asia Pacific Conference honoured by a visit to Valparaiso to the Chilean Senate and Honour the Chilean Armada

21 November 23

RW Bro Chris Craven's offical trip to Chilie Continues...

Members were honoured by a visit to the Chilean Senate in the city of Valparaiso.

The visit was hosted by the President of the Chilean Senate, who addressed the members of the conference in a warm and welcoming manner.

This welcome included the presentation of special commemorative gifts to the officials, as well as a tour of the various chambers of the Senate building . This was followed by a light morning tea.

Photograph shows, Grand Chancellor of Chile, President of the Chilean Senate, Grand Master of Chile, Grand Master of Portugal, Executive Secretary of the Asia Pacific Conference of Masonic, Grand Lodges receiving a commemorative gifts from the president of the Chilean Senate.

The members were honoured by the Chilean Armada in a visit to the memorial of Captain Arturo Pratt.

Captain Arturo Pratt stands out as the highest naval hero, for being an example of courage and heroism that resounded amongst the world at the Iquique Naval Combat on 1 May 1879, during the War of the Pacific, in which he fought to the death side-by-side, with his crew instead of surrendering. despite being outnumbered. Pratt, fought in the fragile "Esmeralda", under his command, against the superior Peruvian ship. He and his crew fought until they sank in the bay with the Chilean ensign fluttering at the top of the mast.

The example he and his crew gave Chilean military and naval forces, the courage and perseverance that lead Chile to the victory four years later. Besides his solid performance in combat Pratt managed to leave a model of integral personality in every aspect of life, becoming a mandatory leader for all men and women who are part of this institution.

The members of the Asia Pacific Conference were given the opportunity to lay a commemorative wreath at the memorial to Pratt in the city of Valparaiso. which is the headquarters of the Chilean Navy.

Photograph shows two wreaths which were laid on behalf of the CMI and the Asia Pacific Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges.