In early July, the two nations in which the Knights of Columbus was first established both celebrate their independence: Canada on July 1 (“Canada Day”) and the United States on July 4 (“Independence Day”). Independence Day in the Philippines was celebrated just a few weeks ago, on June 12.
Independence Days are typically celebrated with public displays of patriotism, including parades, picnics, fireworks displays and speeches at civic events and members of the Patriotic Degree of the Knights of Columbus (the Fourth Degree) will often be found turning out in full regalia at these ceremonies. This year will be different due to the pandemic.
Patriotism has been one of the four principles of the Knights of Columbus since the Fourth Degree was established in 1900, with a ceremony on George Washington’s birthday, February 22.