The Triad Emblem of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus features:

• the Dove

• the Cross

• the Globe

The Dove, the classic symbol of the Holy Spirit and Peace, is shown hovering over the orb of the Earth or Globe. Both are mounted on a variation of the Crusader's cross, that which was found on the tunics and capes of the Crusading Knights who battled to regain the Holy Land.

Our Honored Order cherishes as its patron Christopher (Christ Bearer) Columbus (Dove of Peace), symbolizing the Paraclete.

Spiritually, the sacred symbols on the emblem typify the Union of the Three Divine Persons in one Godhead...the most blessed Trinity.

• The Globe... God the Father, Creator of the Universe
• The Cross...God the Son, Redeemer of Mankind
• The Dove...God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of Humanity

The colors of the symbols are:

• A Blue Globe with the lands of the Western Hemisphere in White
• A Red Cross with gold borders, and gold knobs at the ends of the Cross
• A White Dove.

Red, White, and Blue are the colors of the flag of the country in which our Order originated; and are used to stress the basic principle of the Fourth Degree: Patriotism

The Color Corps of the Knights of Columbus are the uniformed members of the Fourth Degree.  They are the ones that are most noticeable at church and public functions, parades, etc.  They actually consist of two parts:

• the Color Guard and

• the Honor Guard

Honor Guardsmen are those members who have mastered the Manual of the Sword.  All others are Color Guard.

The Corps basically follows a Naval theme with ranks and insignia. Note that the chapeaux, which are never called hats, are similar to the old naval uniforms.

Cape colors are an indication of rank.

• Vice Supreme Masters wear blue capes and chapeaux.
• Masters wear gold capes and chapeaux.
• District Marshals (District level Color Corps Commanders) wear green capes and chapeaux.
• Faithful navigators (whether a member of the corps or not) wear white capes and chapeaux.
• Commanders wear purple capes and chapeaux.
• Other Color Corps Members wear red capes and chapeaux.

Within the local assemblies, the Master more or less sets the rules. In the O'Boyle Assembly, the highest ranking Color Corps member is called Commander; some areas call him by other ranks such as Commodore. Former Vice Supreme Masters, Former District Marshalls, and Past Faithful Navigators are all permitted to wear their respective capes and chapeaux when they finish their term of office.

If you are presently a member of the 4th Degree and would be interested in joining the Color Corps contact our Faithful Navigator Joseph Murtha or Color Corps Commander William J. Kacvinsky.