The Fourth Degree is best known by the Honor Guard - the Knights in cape, chapeau, and sword. While this is the visible arm of the Order, this is only a small part of what being a Sir Knight is about. The 4th Degree is the highest degree in the Knights of Columbus and is called the Patriotic Degree. Love of country, community, and church is paramount to a 4th Degree Knight.
The 4th Degree is organized by Assemblies, which are drawn from several local councils. Membership in the 4th Degree is open to any Knight who has been a 3rd degree Knight for at least 6 months. Candidates participate in a day-long event called an Exemplification which traditionally includes a tea for wives and ends with a banquet celebrating the candidates' elevation to Sir Knight.
