To Be A Patriot Awards

Developed in 1985, the To Be A Patriot Award annually recognizes the top three single best patriotic programs conducted by Fourth Degree assemblies each fraternal year. Entries are submitted to the masters to determine the best program in each district. These are sent to the vice supreme masters who selects the best program in their respective provinces. Provincial winners are sent to the supreme master who appoints a committee of judges to select the top three international patriotic program winners.

The 2006-07 international awardees, chosen from the provincial entries are:

Rappahannock Assembly 1613
Calvert Province
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Honor America Program

This project demonstrated, through education and example, how and why the flag has evolved. It also explained the heritage and traditions associated with the flag while promoting the proper ways to show honor and respect for the flag. The program also provided a broader knowledge and deeper understanding of many of our nation’s historical and special flags.

Altimira Assembly 51
Junipero Serra Province
Fairfield-Vacaville, California
Tribute to Our Veterans

The assembly and 88 volunteers made a district-wide effort to place flags at each grave site of fallen soldiers. A total of 4,402 flags were placed this year to honor those soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country. The assembly’s goal through this program was that their observances would cause people to reflect on the cost of freedom. 

Msgr. George Lewis Smith Assembly 1074
DeSoto Province
Aiken, South Carolina
Serve and Honor Our Veterans

During times of war our veterans need to feel appreciated and deserve to be honored. The assembly had multifaceted activities to support veterans, including: bi-weekly visits to the VA Medical Center, supporting youth volunteers at the VA Medical Center, sponsoring a float in a local parade with the theme, “God Bless Our Troops,” and providing certificates of appreciation to war veterans who have served in Iraq and military personnel currently serving there.