Knights of Columbus - 125th Anniversary

Worthy Sir Knights:

The Fourth Degree is embarking on a large project, and I am asking for your help. After World War I and World War II, the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Colunbus conducted a census of all American Servicemen who were Knights of Columbus members (any degree of the Order) who served in combat theaters of operation. 

However, no such census was conducted after either the Korean or Vietnam Wars. Our Supreme Master, Michael McCusker, intends to resolve this.

As you may know, March 22, 2025 marks the 125th Anniversary of the Order. In observance of this monumental event, the Order will conduct a survey of all Knights of Columbus Servicemen who served in the Korean and/or Vietnam Wars. 

The below  "Korean and Vietnam War" page outlines the specifics of the Census and identifies the web page that members can be registered on. The registration is easy, fast, and compatible with phones, tablets, and personal computers.

The program will culminate with a Mass at the National Basilica of the Immaculate Conception on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War (April 30, 2025). Following Mass, the Supreme Officers and Board of Directors, with an escort of a 4th Degree Honor Guard, will lay wreaths at the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials. Certificates recognizing service will be delivered to surviving veterans via their councils.

I need to tell you that the deadline for Servicemen's names to be included is February 28, 2025, so it is imperative that this program gets rolling... and soon!

Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree

Korean & Vietnam War

Census Program

Objective: The Fourth Degree will conduct a census of the membership to establish a record of service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

Purpose:  Following  the  World  Wars,  the  Order  documented  war  service  by  its members. The results of these efforts are recorded in the archives at the Blessed Michael  J.  McGivney  Pilgrimage  Center.  Similar  efforts  were  not  conducted following either the Korean or Vietnam Wars.

Significance:  The  Korean  War  commenced  in  1950,  making  the  approximate minimum   age   of   surviving   veterans   ninety-one.   Similarly,   the   approximate minimum age of surviving Vietnam veterans serving from 1965-1973 is 68-76.

Considerations: Both the Korean and Vietnam Wars marked a significant departure in  how  troops  served  and  returned  from  war,  as  service  was  no  longer  for  the duration. Gone were the hero’s welcome on return. Vietnam veterans in particular returned  to  a  hostile  and  divided  nation,  where  they  were  either  overlooked or criticized for their service.

Execution:  Assemblies  working in  conjunction with their  assigned  councils  will conduct  a  census  of  their  membership, and enter the requested information on this internet page: https://forms.office.com/r/BL1Zd93Lms. There should be a separate entry for each member.  Where  possible, documented  service  of  deceased  members  will  be  recorded.  Guidelines  for  the census will be forthcoming.

Qualifications:  Inclusion  in  the  census  shall  be  limited  to  veterans  meeting  the requirements established by Congress for the Korean and Vietnam Service Medals, to wit 25 June 1950-27 July 1953 for Korea and 3 July 1965-28 March 1973 for Vietnam.

Timeline:  The program will culminate with a Mass at the National Basilica of the Immaculate  Conception  on  Saturday,  April  26,  2025,  in  recognition  of  the  50ᵗʰ Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War (April 30, 2025). Following Mass, the Supreme Officers and Board of Directors with an escort of a 4ᵗʰ Degree Honor Guard will  lay  wreaths   at  the  Korean   and  Vietnam  War   Memorials. Certificates recognizing service will be delivered to surviving veterans via their councils.