Bishop Flaherty Assembly #1678

“Patriotism, Not Personality”

Sir Knights and Ladies,

Thank you Jose Rio, PFN for your dedication and leadership this past year, we will try to build on your successes. Thank you, sir knights, for the confidence you have shown by electing me as your Navigator for this fraternal year. The officers of the Fourth Degree Assembly are all named in nautical terms, each has a rich history of tradition in regards to their roles and responsibilities. As Navigator, my primary role is to set the course for the Assembly, plotting the direction and fixing the waypoints along the route. Our direction this year is toward Patriotism, our waypoints, the events we will have and our relationship with our Councils and Parishes.

Our theme for this fraternal year is “Patriotism, not personality.” Let me explain. Throughout this fraternal year we will focus on patriotism, the principle of the Fourth Degree. In doing so we will conduct patriotic events, participate in patriotic activities; contribute with patriotic charity… all in keeping with the patriotic mission of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. As individuals with different personalities, experiences, and politics, we come together in a unified patriotic body to accomplish these things. Our success as an Assembly depends on our working together. So let us celebrate the Patriot that is in each of us, and not be diverted from our mission by personality or personal agenda.