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The Patriotic
Degree
Another degree open to members of the Knights of Columbus is that of the Fourth
or Patriotic Degree. 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. Any Third
Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his First
Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree.
The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism
by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights'
respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups
called assemblies. Fourth Degree members must retain their membership as Third
Degree members in the local council to remain in good standing.
Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious
functions, an activity which has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights
of Columbus organization.
Several members of Council 10836 are also
members of the Bishop Louis J. Reicher Assembly 1099.
Our Emblem
 The emblem of the order dates from the Second Supreme
meeting, May 12, 1883, when it was designed by James T. Mullen, who was then
Supreme Knight.
A quick glance at the emblem indicates a shield mounted upon the Cross of
Malta. The shield is that associated with a Medieval Knight. The Cross of
Malta is the representation in a traditionally artistic design of the Cross
of Christ through which all graces of redemption were procured from mankind.
This then represents the Catholic Spirit of the Order.
Mounted on the shield are three objects, a mace standing vertically, and crossed
behind it, an anchor and a dagger or short sword. The mace from Roman days
is symbolic of authority which must exit in any tightly bonded and efficient
operating organization.
The anchor is the mariner's symbol for Columbus, Patron of the Order, while
the short sword or dagger was the weapon of the Knight when engaged upon an
errand of mercy. Thus, the shield expresses Catholic Knighthood in organized
merciful action and with the letters K of C proclaims this specific form
of activity.
The red, white, and blue in the background of the shield and foreground of
the Cross of Malta are the colors of our beloved country. As such, Red is
the symbol of the stout-hearted courage, of pulsing activity, and a full measure
of devotion. Blue is the symbol of hope, of calm tranquility under God, and
of confidence in the protection of our country, established under God. White
is
the symbol of nobility of purpose, of purity of aim, and of crucible-tried
ideals to be carried out. But there is another symbolism of color red, white,
and blue. This is the ecclesiastical symbolism in which red becomes the reflection
of the drops of Christ's redemptive blood shed upon Calvary, and of the martyr's
blood shed in defense of the faith.
Red is then the symbol of Faith, of belief in Christ, in the redemption, and
in the mission of every man to spread the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.
White is the color of the Eucharistic Host, pledge of God's Eucharistic presence
among men, of the infinite love God had for man and of the overwhelming affection
which God-man had for each individual. White is then
the symbol of Christ-like Charity. Blue is the color of our Lady's mantle,
in which she draped her beloved Son, through whom came salvation to a sinful
world. Blue is then the symbol of Hope.
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