Knights of Columbus Honor Guard
The Fourth Degree Honor Guard of the Knights of Columbus stands as the most distinguished feature of the Order. They are the Knights you see in parades, the ones saluting the Bishop during his visits to your Parish, the ones carrying the flag to center-field, and the ones who will stand by your widow at your funeral.
While the charitable, unified, and fraternal works of our Brother Knights in the Councils are undeniable, it is the Honor Guard that most people in your Parish envision when they think of "the Knights of Columbus." Participation in the Fourth Degree Honor Guard is not mandatory. However, for those Sir Knights who choose to join, the experience is life-changing. Membership in the Honor Guard is exclusive to members of the Fourth Degree, making it both the greatest gift and responsibility of the Patriotic Degree.
To purchase a new uniform, Sir Knights may buy a full package or each item individually from:
The official Knights of Columbus Uniform website.
To purchase an official Knights of Columbus sword, Sir Knights are encouraged to buy from the English Company. For the best overall value, the "Sword Package" is HIGHLY recommended.
The full "Sword Package" can be purchased at their website here.
Different jurisdictions have different legal obligations of what must be included in a Privacy Policy. You are responsible to make sure you are following the relevant legislation to your activities and location.
Our Honor Guard meets every month for practice. If you are part of the Honor Guard you will receive an email notification of practice date and location.
To purchase a new uniform, Sir Knights may buy a full package or each item individually from:
The official Knights of Columbus Uniform website.
To purchase an official Knights of Columbus sword, Sir Knights are encouraged to buy from the English Company. For the best overall value, the "Sword Package" is HIGHLY recommended.
The full "Sword Package" can be purchased at their website here.
A Complete Fourth Degree Uniform Will Include the Following Elements:
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Navy Fourth Degree Uniform Blazer
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Gray Fourth Degree Uniform Trousers
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Black Uniform Beret
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Fourth Degree Beret Badge
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White Dress Shirt (with no buttons at the collar)
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Navy Fourth Degree Uniform Tie
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White Uniform Gloves
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Fourth Degree Lapel Pin
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Service Baldric with Frog (i.e. K of C Sash with Sword Clip)
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Knights of Columbus Sword (Black Handle)
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Knights of Columbus Scabbard
Request to Join the Honor Guard
More Information on the Etiquette of the Uniform Can Be Found in
Black Beret
A black beret, worn down to the Sir Knight's right is the appropriate head gear for the Fourth Degree uniform. The beret has replaced the chapeau. The beret should be worn as part of the Color Corps or Honor Guard uniform, but is not necessary for participation in formal Fourth Degree events. The beret can be purchased separately, or part of the total uniform package. To purchase just the beret, follow this link.
Emblem of the Fourth Degree
Upon the beret, the Sir Knight should wear the metal emblazoned with the emblem of the Fourth Degree. The emblem should be forward facing and above the Sir Knight's left eye. The beret pin can also be used to designate the past service of the Sir Knight. Various colors of (optional) "flashes" can be inserted behind the pin to indicate past offices held. The beret pin may be purchased separately, but comes with the total uniform package. To order a replacement pin, follow this link.
Navy Uniform Blazer
Upon the beret, the Sir Knight should wear the metal emblazoned with the emblem of the Fourth Degree. The emblem should be forward facing and above the Sir Knight's left eye. The beret pin can also be used to designate the past service of the Sir Knight. Various colors of (optional) "flashes" can be inserted behind the pin to indicate past offices held. The beret pin may be purchased separately, but comes with the total uniform package. To order a replacement pin, follow this link.
White, Button-up-the-Front Dress Shirt
Beneath the jacket, Sir Knights should wear a white, button-up-the-front dress shirt. The Order makes no specific recommendation on the brand or retailer for this item. However, four stipulations must be followed to include the dress shirt in the uniform: (1) It must be white. (2) It must be long-sleeved. (3) It must NOT have a button-down collar. (4) It should NOT have French cuffs. Assuming that Sir Knight owns a dress shirt conforming to these standards, it is permissible to wear in the uniform. No dress shirt is included in the uniform package, and it is up to Sir Knight to provide one from his existing wardrobe or purchase one meeting these specifications at his discretion.
Knights of Columbus Tie
While many attractive Knights of Columbus ties are available on the internet, there is only one official uniform tie. The tie presents golden emblems of the Fourth Degree on a navy blue field. Do not fall for imitations. The official tie comes with the uniform package or can be purchased separately at this link.
Lapel Pin for the Fourth Degree
The appropriate lapel pin for the Fourth Degree Uniform is the emblem of the Fourth Degree. In the past, various pins were permissible for the Honor Guard. The most popular was a combination of the American Flag and the emblem of the Fourth Degree. Today, the more subtle emblem of the Fourth Degree pin received at the Sir Knight's exemplification is the standard. As the Sir Knight should already own this, it is not included with purchasing the uniform package. However, if a replacement is needed, one can be purchased at the following link.
White Gloves
One of the easiest components of the uniform to overlook, but one of the most conspicuous if they are missing, is the white gloves. Unfortunately, these do not come with the uniform package. If a Sir Knight has them from his previous regalia, the same white gloves are approved for use with the new uniform. However, if a Sir Knight does not have a pair of white gloves for his Honor Guard uniform.
The uniform trousers are a dark gray and made of fine wool. While it may be tempting to substitute one's own gray trousers instead, it will be very obvious if an Honor Guard has 10 different varieties of trouser colors. The official uniform pants are a core component of the uniform package, but can be purchased individually as well.
Service Baldric
Ownership of a Service Baldric is essential to carry a sword with the uniform and participate in the Honor Guard or Color Corps of the Fourth Degree. The Social Baldric received upon completing one's Fourth Degree exemplification is insufficient. The Social Baldric is meant to be worn under a jacket, whereas the Service Baldric is intended to be worn over the jacket from the right shoulder to the left hip. The colors of the Service Baldric are those of the country of the Assembly. For Assembly #3101, that is the Red, White, and Blue of the United States of America.
Most importantly, the Service Baldric contains a metal cross at the bottom, including the initials of the watch word of the order TFMM. This metal insignia, called the "frog" is the clip that attaches the scabbard of the sword to the Service Baldric. Not owning this critical piece of the uniform makes participation in the Color Corps and Honor Guards impossible. Sir Knights who have one from the old regalia may still use their original Service Baldric, as it has not changed. Unfortunately, a Service Baldric is not part of the official uniform package. If a Sir Knight needs a Service Baldric, one can be obtained here.
Sword & Scabbard
Connected to the Service Baldric is the Scabbard. The Scabbard holds the sword and is an intricately detailed work of craftsmanship. Hidden throughout the Scabbard are the emblem of the Order and the emblem of the Fourth Degree. A small key-hole-shaped clip connects to the "frog" of the Service Baldric and allows the sword and Scabbard to hang at the Sir Knight's hip. Sir Knights, who own a sword and scabbard from the old regalia, should continue using it. Sir Knights wishing to join the Honor Guard or Color Corps are HIGHLY encouraged to buy the Sword & Scabbard package, which includes gloves and a personalized carrying case for the Sword & Scabbard. The Sword & Scabbard package can be purchased here.
The Sword. Perhaps the most intriguing and prestigious part of the Fourth Degree uniform is the privilege of carrying the Sword. For many Sir Knights, the Sword is a family heirloom passed down over generations. For others, it is a new tradition started with them. The Sword symbolizes one's Knighthood. It is essential to understand that there are subtle differences between the Swords one may see within an Honor Guard and to follow the etiquette they represent when purchasing a Sword for oneself. For most Sir Knights, the silver Sword with the black handle will be the Sword they carry for their lifetime. Fewer men will have the honor to carry the silver Sword with the white handle -- denoting their service as Faithful Navigator. Fewer still will earn the right to carry the gold Sword with the white handle -- the mark of the District Master. Be wary. Online, many sites offer replicas or even enticing "gold swords." Order one from an approved Knights of Columbus supplier to ensure that you are buying the appropriate Sword for your service.
Uniform Packages
What is the difference between Color Corps and Honor Guard?
Color Corps
The color Corps is referred to when presenting the colors or in a parade etc.
Honor Guard
Honor Guard is used at a wake or church service or escorting dignitaries and possible instillation ceremonies.