The Fourth Degree

What is the Fourth Degree?

Otherwise know as the “Patriotic Degree”, the Fourth Degree is the highest degree in the Order of the Knights of Columbus.  Our objective as Fourth Degree Knights is to promote the spirit of patriotism and to encourage active Catholic citizenship.  Through our service we lead by example and demonstrate a love of our country and a loyalty to her. It escapes comprehension therefore as to why fewer than 18% of Knights apply to and join the Fourth Degree.  Proud are members of this degree and honored to bear the title of "Sir Knight".

It is true that the Fourth Degree was not one of the original principles of the order - those principles being “Charity, Unity, and Fraternity.”

There were several reasons for adding the Fourth Degree, but the most pressing among them was the rabid anti-Catholic spirit which was prevalent in the land.  It was not uncommon for a Knight’s loyalty to his country to be questioned and we were often seen as more loyal to the Pope in Rome than to the United States of America.  The establishment of the Fourth Degree, dedicated to the principle of Patriotism, was a rebuttal of such charges.

On February 22, 1900, the first exemplification of that degree was held in New York City. The ritual added patriotism to the three original principles of the Order: Charity, Unity and Fraternity.

Demonstrating Patriotism

Patriotism is, and rightly ought to be, more than simply waving the flag. True patriotism stretches beyond just expressing love of country and support of its values and institutions to commitment and action. Make no mistake, patriotism is hard work.  To defend the spirit of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights requires us to live our lives in such a way that we will strengthen our society and actively involve ourselves in whatever action may be necessary to remedy our national weaknesses.  It is not “my country – love it or leave it” or “my country – right or wrong,” it is simply “my country” – first, last, and always.

By putting words into action Knights demonstrate the principal of Patriotism. We do this on multiple fronts in the battle. Fourth Degree Knights:

• Work for the application of Christian principles at all levels of government.
• Oppose the institution and development of any forces that would undermine good government.
• Educate their membership to be defenders of democratic institutions.
• Provide a greater knowledge and appreciation of our Catholic heritage.
• Play important roles in charitable and religious activities.
• Make public appearances as Honor Guards at religious and civic functions.

For a while, during the turbulent times in the 60s and early 70s – with the war in Vietnam, riots in our major cities, political assassinations, and the mess that was “Watergate”, many people seem to have shied away from giving expression to their feelings for their country.  It was as if such displays of emotion were to be avoided as old fashioned and out of date sentimentality. That is now changing. From Ronald Reagan’s “Morning in America” to Desert Storm to the tragedy that was September 11th, Americans are waking up with a renewal to the basics of patriotism.  More and more people are flying the flag and singing the national anthem. And the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus is there to lead the parade.

Our members are challenged to be always ready to sacrifice everything for our Faith and our Country. The response of our Order to the needs of our Country in times of war attests to the fact that we are true to our commitment. From its foundation, the Fourth Degree has provided Honor Guards for religious and civic ceremonies. Marching in our regalia, with the flag of our Country before us, we are clearly identified as individuals who are not afraid to publicly display our devotion to our Country and our Church.