Sovereign
United Imperial
Order of Turtles
The Ancient and Honorable Order
of Turtles
Welcome!
Are you a Turtle?
If you know the answer to this question then welcome from the Imperial Grand Master Turtle of the Sovereign United Imperial Order of the Turtle.
If you didn't know the answer, then please click "Become a Turtle" to contact us and we would be more than honored to add you as member.
HISTORY
Many members of America's great fraternal organizations, such as the Shriners, Masons, Elks, and American Legionnaires, are familiar with that age-old query, "Are you a Turtle?" Sometimes, one sees a green-shelled turtle lapel pin or even an auto decal with a grinning turtle asking the same question. But what or who are the Turtles, you ask? Quite simply, the Turtles are a drinking fraternity that exists in the United States of America as a fun-and-honor group usually within the local lodge or post, sort of a side degree. It traces its honorable origins back to the Second World War, on January 12, 1943 in an English pub, when a group of fighter pilots formed a semi-secret drinking fraternity among its squadron's members, and put prospective candidates for membership through a mock initiation.
How to Join this "Turtle Club"
If You Have What it Takes...You Too Can Become A Turtle!!
To be a Turtle you must think with a clean mind. Having no dues, the Turtles simply ask new members to recruit new members. To gain admission, one must be initiated. The initiation normally takes place in a social quarters of the lodge or place after the Supreme Session's business meetings are complete. The Turtles approach the prospective candidate and solemnly ask him (or her) if they wish to join the "Sovereign United Imperial Order of Turtles The Ancient and Honorable Order of Turtles." There are different branches of Turtles Worldwide, but all adhere to the same sign, passwords, grip and initiation format.
