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.