4th Degree 
Any Third Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights' respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups (called "assemblies"). Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious functions, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus.

Fourth Degree Emblem

The triad emblem of the Fourth Degree features the dove, the cross and the globe. The dove, classic symbol of the Holy Spirit and peace, is shown hovering over the orb of the Earth (globe). Both are mounted on a variation of the Crusader's cross, which was found on the tunics and capes of the Crusading knights who battled to regain the Holy Land from the pagans. 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 land of the Western Hemisphere in white. A red cross with gold borders and gold knobs at the end of the points forming the ends of the arms of the cross, also known as the Isabella cross. A white dove. Red, white and blue are the colors of the flag of the country in which the Knights originated. They are used to stress patriotism, the basic principle of the Fourth Degree.

Fourth Degree Emblem of the Order The Degree of Patriotism

Another degree open to members of the Knights of Columbus is that of the Fourth (or Patriotic) Degree. On February 22, 1900, the first exemplification of that degree was held in New York City. The ritual added patriotism to the three original principles of the Order: charit, unity and fraternity. Any Third Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree.

The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of partiotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights' respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups called assemblies. Fourth Degree members must retain their membership as Third Degree members in the local council to remain in good standing.

Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious functions, an activity which has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus organization.

The Knights of Columbus, an array of dedicated Catholic gentlemen, glory in the epithet.

"The Right Arm of the Catholic Church"  

Sir Knights of the Forth Degree, deem it an honor and privilege to carry our TRIAD EMBLEM, which features The Dove, The Cross, and The Globe. Our Honored Order cherishes as its Patron, Christopher Columbus.

Christopher  Crist-Bearer, Columbus  Dove of Peace, symbolizing the Paraclete. And, as the Cross of Christ is the sign of our Christian faith, similarly, the Globe Depicts the New World, the miraculous discovery of Columbus.

Spiritually, the sacred symbols fashioned on our sword and lapel pin, typify the union of the Three Divine Persons in one Godhead The Most Holy 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.

God willing, may we, Christian Soldiers in the Columbian Crusade, lend loyalty to Our Honored Order, patriotism to our beloved  America and devotion to Holy Mother Church  all, for the Greater Glory of God Almighty.