Knights of Columbus and Veterans

1920: ‘It is our duty to serve them’ – Throwback Thursday

For more than 100 years the Knights of Columbus has supported veterans, especially those injured in the course of their service.

In his 1922 annual report Supreme Knight Flaherty stated, “… Through forgetfulness the public is little acquainted with the magnitude of the problem confronting the nation in merited care for the disabled remnants of the Americans who participated actively in hostilities. … It is our duty to serve them, and without qualification I state that it is the purpose of the Knights of Columbus to serve them until the end of our resources. One of the slogans of this organization during its war [World War I] drive was the eloquent promise, ‘See him through.’ … We are at the side of the disabled man languishing in the hospital, just as we were at his side when he was fighting his nation's battles under shot and shell.”

From Pueblo, Colorado, to Parsonfield, Maine, and points in between, Knights supported the injured veterans. They offered companionship, activities, and other comforts. Here, an un-named K of C member visits with veterans on the sun porch of Cresson (Pa.) Sanatorium.

Today’s Knights continue to serve active members of the military and veterans. They “See Him Through” with a variety of initiatives including Warriors to Lourdes.

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