The Color Corps of the Patriotic Degree

Purpose of the Color Corps

When knighthood was in flower, knights carried the sword to defend their God, their Church, their country, and their fellow man according to the code of chivalry. Today, Sir Knights wear regalia and carry the sword to honor Christ and His apostles, especially on religious and civic occasions specified in the Color Corps manual. Hence, the primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to encourage active Catholic citizenship and foster the spirit of patriotism in members and the community at large.

The Color Corps members exemplify all the principles of our Order:

• Charity - by the gift of their time and energies necessary to practice, perfect and perform the ceremonials and sword drill;
• Unity – by the united efforts of Sir Knights to practice and perfect a coordinated drill for the good of the Church and the Order;
• Fraternity – by expressing an "Esprit de Corps," sharing a common desire for drill excellence and camaraderie; and
• Patriotism – by performing precision drill as a salute to God and to country and visually exhibiting a love for both.

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

Fourth Degree Abbreviation Guide

What the colors mean

The colors for the Fourth Degree Color Corps are set forth in the Laws of the Fourth Degree, Article XI, are designated to be worn directly behind the Fourth Degree Medal Badge affixed to the Official Color Corps beret, and colors are designated as follows: