Michigan Knights of Columbus Honor Veterans in Ceremony

65 men became Sir Knights of the Fourth Degree, pledging to support the U.S. Constitution and be active patriots.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:26pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, colorful silkscreen illustration featuring a Knights of Columbus ceremonial sword repeated in a grid pattern, capturing the patriotic spirit of the organization's activities.The Knights of Columbus' patriotic degree ceremony celebrates the organization's commitment to supporting veterans and national service.Lansing Today

The Michigan Knights of Columbus held a ceremony where 65 men became Sir Knights of the Fourth Degree, also known as the Patriotic Degree. They pledged to support the U.S. Constitution and be active patriots, contributing where they can to support the military and their country.

Why it matters

The Knights of Columbus is a large Catholic fraternal organization with over 60,000 members in Michigan alone. Their patriotic degree demonstrates their commitment to serving the country and supporting veterans, even if they are not called to active military service.

The details

During the ceremony, the new Sir Knights of the Fourth Degree took a pledge to support the U.S. Constitution and be active patriots. The Fourth Degree is focused on the virtue of patriotism, with members answering the call to serve and contribute where they can.

  • The ceremony took place on April 18, 2026.

The players

Barry Borsenik

The state deputy of Michigan Knights of Columbus.

Knights of Columbus

A large Catholic fraternal organization with over 60,000 members in Michigan.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Well, we're not all called to be active military, but we can all do our part to support them and to support our country.”

— Barry Borsenik, State Deputy, Michigan Knights of Columbus

The takeaway

The Knights of Columbus' patriotic degree demonstrates how civic and religious organizations can play a role in supporting the military and fostering a sense of national pride, even among those not directly serving in the armed forces.