Worthy Sir Knights of the Archdiocese of Washington District,

As many of you have heard, a new Fourth Degree Uniform was unveiled at the opening Mass of the 135th Supreme Convention in St. Louis, Missouri. The uniform consists of a blue blazer with an embroidered Emblem of the Fourth Degree on the breast pocket, dark gray trousers, a black beret with the Emblem of the Fourth Degree above the left eye, a Fourth Degree tie, and the Fourth Degree pin (PG-113).

Wearing the newly simplified Fourth Degree uniform, Supreme Master Dennis Stoddard leads the Order’s vice supreme masters in the recessional. (Photo Credit: Knights of Columbus Supreme Council)At the opening business session of the Convention, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson stated and showcased how the uniform had changed through the years, and that this is the new changed uniform. He also stated that the Color Corps Regalia will continue to be used on a limited basis at the Assemblies choosing for public and liturgical events to provide honor guards. Until the uniform becomes available to everyone, we will continue to use our previous Standard Regalia (Cape, Chapeau, Tuxedo), such as at the upcoming AMS Father Capodanno Memorial Mass. Beyond that, we will await further guidance from the Supreme Master and our Provincial Vice Supreme Master.

I will be the first to tell you, as a leader of Marines and your leader, that the rollout of this new uniform wasn’t perfect. But we must work with the facts that we have and move forward.

Certainly we may all have opinions about the new uniform, but we must not forget and continue to live by the guiding principles of our order: Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. These are why we exist, and regardless of any change, I am here to work on and within these principles and the spirit of Columbianism. I hope that you are, too! In today’s world, more than ever, we are needed by many: Family, Clergy, Youth, and the Holy Catholic Church. So, my hope is that you will continue to assist in these and our many Knightly areas, no matter what!

As I receive any additional information, I will pass it on.

Thank you for all that you do for the Knights of Columbus in general and for our Patriotic Degree in particular!

Fraternally and Patriotically,

Mike

Micheal W. Thumm, FDD, PGK, PFN
Colonel, USMC, Retired
Master, Archdiocese of Washington District