Honor Guard

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 as part of the total uniform package. Purchase just the beret.

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. Order a replacement pin.

The navy blue Fourth Degree blazer is the centerpiece of the uniform. It is worn buttoned, with the Service Baldric over it from the right shoulder to the left hip, and the Fourth Degree lapel pin on the left lapel. The blazer is a core component of the official uniform package; use the uniform selection tool to find your size.

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 the 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 the Sir Knight to provide one from his existing wardrobe or purchase one meeting these specifications at his discretion.

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.

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 the uniform package. However, if a replacement is needed, one can be purchased here.

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. White gloves are also included in the Sword & Scabbard package.

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.

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 our Assembly, 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 Guard impossible. Sir Knights who have one from the old regalia may still use their original Service Baldric, as it has not changed. A Service Baldric is not part of the official uniform package. If a Sir Knight needs a Service Baldric, one can be obtained here.

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. 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.