Last Living Mt. Rushmore Worker to Join Mason's Celebration

Rapid City, SD, August 31, 2016 (Newswire.com) - The Masonic Grand Lodge of South Dakota is delighted to announce that Don “Nick” Clifford, will be their honored guest at the Mason’s National Day of Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Completion of Mt. Rushmore and our Masonic Heritage on Thursday, September 8th at the Mt. Rushmore National Memorial Amphitheater. The celebration begins at 10 AM, and is open to the public.

Clifford, born in Pierre, SD was just 17 when he went to work on the mountain.  He was hired as much for his baseball skills as his mining and drilling skills.  Clifford worked on the mountain carving through 1940.  Clifford, along with Peter Norbeck descendants Al and Eric Jennings, will present a wreath in honor of the Mt. Rushmore workers and visionary influencers on the creation of the Shrine of Democracy.

 “We are so very humbled to be able to honor Don Clifford as part of our Celebration,” noted Mike Rodman, head of Masons in South Dakota.  “September 8th will be a very special day, made all the more special with Mr. Clifford’s participation. I invite the public to come join us at 10:00 AM on Thursday September 8th at the Amphitheater at Mt. Rushmore to honor Mr. Clifford and the memory of all of the Mt. Rushmore workers.”

Also appearing at the Mason’s National Day of Celebration will be Larry Coleman, Jr., Grand Master of The Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Kansas. MWB Coleman will recognize the history of the Buffalo Soldiers, some of the first practicing Masons in the area, as well as the long-standing relationship between the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Kansas and the Grand Lodge of South Dakota. e see what the Masons are all about.”

Media Only:   For more information or to set up an interview please call Mike Rodman at 605.332.2051

Email mrodman@rap.midco.net

Source: Grand Lodge of South Dakota