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 Fourth Degree masters to determine the best program in each district. These are sent to the vice supreme masters, who select 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 2010-11 international awardees, chosen from the provincial entries are:

Monsignor Anthony J. Stein Assembly 645 in Woodland Park, New Jersey (St. Isaac Jogues Province), Knights of Columbus Tank Pull 2010 – The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project is to raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, and to provide unique programs and services for wounded soldiers and veterans. Members of the Msgr. Stein assembly assisted them by organizing a tank pull, where teams of Knights and others competed to pull an 80,000 lb. tank twelve feet in the fastest time. Twenty teams raised more than $80,000 in support of the Wounded Warrior Project, and garnered significant publicity for the Order in the process.

Holy Spirit Assembly 2527 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Bienville Province), Mass Initiative for 117th Air Refueling Wing and 99th Air Squadron – When the members of Holy Spirit assembly learned that no Catholic Masses had been celebrated for nearly three years at the Birmingham 117th Air National Guard Refueling Wing, they knew they had to act. Sir Knights secured the necessary permissions and facilities, and provided the funding for monthly Masses on the base. As a result of their efforts, personnel undergoing weekend training no longer have to choose between their service to their country and practicing their faith.

Joliet Assembly 204 in Joliet, Illinois (Marquette Province), To Honor and Remember our Veterans on Memorial Day – In conjunction with the local VFW Post, members of the Joliet Assembly perform prayer services at three cemeteries each Memorial Day. At each cemetery, the names of veterans interred there are read, followed by a gun salute and the playing of taps. Flags are presented to the widows of veterans who passed away during the previous year. The day begins with Mass – for which the assembly provides the honor guard –followed by prayer services at each of the three cemeteries successively.