As the "Patriotic" degree, we tend to support charities and organizations that are focused on veterans and first responders. Charities supported by assemblies in the Detroit Archdiocese include:

• The John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit
• Vets Returning Home
• Wreaths Across America
• Fisher House of Michigan
• Michigan Armed Forces Hospitality Centers
• Desert Angels
• Military Chaplain’s Scholarship Fund
• Archdiocese for Military Services, USA

We educate through flag presentation and retirement ceremonies that are typically held with local veterans goups, such as the VFW and American Legion, as well as youth groups such as Scouts and Explorers. Most assemblies, in addition to their charitible donations, also participate in Wreaths Across America ceremonies held across the United States on the third Saturday in December, in which service members are recognized and wreaths are laid on the veterans graves. Many members can also be seen helping veteran organizations collect donations for poppies around Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

The visible arm of the order is the Color Corps/Honor Guard. We routinely march in parades such as the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Detroit, Memorial Day Parades in the metro Detroit area, Independence Day Parades and other parades in many communities in and around Detroit. We present colors at the Annual KofC Tiger Day, the Catholic Prep Bowl and Special Olympics competitions in the area. We participate in civic functions, as requested. We also participate and provide Color Corps for Corporate Communions, May Crownings, Funerals and Blue Masses at many of the local churches. Note: Participation in the Honor Guard is voluntary, as there is a financial responsibility for purchase of the uniform and equipment. Some assemblies have programs to help defer this cost.

If you have, or have had, a family member in the service or a first responder, this is may be a way of giving back to them in a way that some might not expect. Many of our members are veterans, and being able to stand guard at their casket or render graveside honors is a great way to give back to those that served.

Additionally, at the passing of a Fourth Degree Sir Knight, our bylaws clearly state that a religious item will be donated to a church or priest in the name of the Sir Knight. In our area, we honor you not with a bronze plaque or sculptured stone, almost all of the assemblies honor the Sir Knight with a chalice, with the Sir Knight's name engraved upon it. That chalice will then be donated to a needy clergy person such that the Sir Knight will be remembered whenever Mass is said with the chalice. The Color Corps will stand watch at your casket as well as attend your funeral mass. As a Catholic gentleman, it is difficult to consider a better way of being remembered.

When the Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882, three principles united its members: charity, unity and fraternity. At that time people feared that members of the Catholic faith owed their entire allegiance to the Church and could not be trusted as citizens of their country. Patriotism was added to the Order’s principles in 1900, based on the idea that Knights are loyal to both God and country.

Members who wish to live out patriotism together can join "the Fourth Degree." Members of this degree have the special honor of holding the title "Sir Knight," participating in color and honor guards and organizing programs that promote Catholic citizenship. They also become part of a Fourth Degree Assembly in their area. They’re present in their distinct uniform at civic and Church events, acting as honor guards and color corps, or standing in respect at the funerals of members or during adoration of the Eucharist.

The Fourth Degree is divided into provinces, each led by a vice supreme master, and each province has districts, led by a district master. The districts contain assemblies lead by a Faithful Navigator. Michigan and Ohio are part of the Louis Hennepin Province. Michigan has four districts, Ohio has three. Each district covers one or more diocese.

Michigan District 1 takes care of the Detroit Archdiocese. It has 31 assemblies with over 3200 members.

Michigan District 2 takes care of the Lansing and Kalamazoo dioceses. It has 24 assemblies with over 3400 members.

Michigan District 3 takes care of the Gaylord and Marquette dioceses. It has 23 assemblies and over 1700 members.

Michigan District 4 takes care of the Grand Rapids and Saginaw dioceses. It has 24 assemblies and over 1800 members.