Main Page

    Until 1900 the principles of the Order were Charity, unity and fraternity.  On Feb. 22 of that year patriotism was added with the first Exemplification of the Fourth Degree.  Sometimes called the Patriotic Degree, it is open to Third Degree Knights in good standing who have been members of the Order for at least 6 months. The primary purpose of the Patriotic Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting citizenship, loyalty to country and the love of God.   The basic unit of the Fourth Degree is called an assembly.  It serves one or more local councils.  Fourth Degree members are referred to as Sir Knights, and they may choose to join the assembly's color corps, which serves as an honor guard at civic and religious functions.  Color corps members are readily identifiable by their regalia (uniforms) consisting of tuxedo plumed chapeau, cape, sword and white gloves.

PURPOSE OF THE COLOR GUARD

     In those days when knighthood was in flower, the Knights of old carried the sword
 to defend God, Church, Country and fellow man according to the code of chivalry. 
 In our times, Sir Knights wear regalia and carry the sword to honor    Christ and His
Apostles, especially on religious and civic functions.

    The color crops members exemplify all the principles of our Order.

Charity- by free and willing sacrifice of the time and energies necessary
to practice, perfect and perform the ceremonial and sword drill;
 Unity-what could better publicly display unity than a coordinated drill
of a body of men; Fraternity - can also be expressed as esprit de corps
sharing a common desire for drill excellence; Patriotism- precision drill
is a salute to our God and to our country and visually exhibits a love for both.

    The public appearance of Fourth Degree Knights as honor
guards at civic and religious functions is an important activity
of each assembly.  Their colorful capes and chapeaux add
dignity and pride of church and country to any event.  By these
public demonstrations, their loyalties bring credit to themselves
and to the Knights of Columbus.

    The color corps has two sub-groups, the honor guard
 and color guard. The honor guard is members of the color
corps who have mastered the manual of the sword. 
 The color guard is the flag bearers and at least two honor
guards escorting the colors.

Assembly Commander  Sk Larry L Prevo