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Be a Patriot 
The Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus was built on the principle of
patriotism--love for and devotion to one's country--and Fourth Degree Knights
focus the majority of their activities on this principle. Yet, it should
be remembered that the Fourth Degree is an important part of the Knights
of Columbus, a Catholic, family, fraternal, service organization.
Nurturing a spirit of fraternalism within the assembly is a vital aspect of the
work of the Fourth Degree. 
The exemplification of the Fourth Degree with its 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.
Fourth Degree History
At a National Council meeting in 1899, it was determined that an additional ceremonial degree was needed that would represent patriotism. The initial Exemplification, as the degree is called, was held on February 22, 1900. It was scheduled to be in the Astor Hotel, however when the class reached in excess of 1,100 candidates, it was moved to the Lenox Lyceum, a temporary wooden structure.
Members were originally part of local councils. In 1910 a restructuring of the order separated them and called the groups, Assemblies. The Chain of Command is similar to that of the lower degrees, with different titles. At the Supreme level, the top man is the Supreme Master. Areas are divided into, Provinces, headed by a Vice Supreme Master. Provinces in turn are divided into Districts, with Masters in charge.
Assemblies are similar to the council, and many are named after patriots, war heroes, etc. The Chair Officers are: the presiding officer called a Navigator, then a Captain, the Pilot, which is the Warden on a council level, and the Admiral, a Past Faithful Navigator.
The other officers are:
The Friar (Council Chaplain)
The Purser (Council Treasurer)
The Comptroller (Council Financial Secretary)
The Sentinels (Council Guards)
The Trustees (same as the council)
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.
To learn more about the Knights of Columbus visit the Supreme Council's home page.
Fourth Degree members dress in the recognizable regalia which includes colorful capes and chapeaux, and sometimes a sword.
Considered under a religious aspect, we have the honor and privilege of
wearing on our sword and our lapels the sacred symbol of the Most Blessed
Trinity. This is to always remind us to live a good Christian life. By this, others
may see our good works, through which we will glorify our Holy Religion, our
Honored Order and our Beloved Country.
