Prayers for Msgr. Burnett

Brother Sir Knights,

I was just informed that Msgr. Burnett fell and broke his wrist while he was in Barcelona, Spain. He is currently at Hines VA Hospital extended care treatment and rehab for four weeks. Please keep him in your prayers for a quick and speedy recovery. Thank you all and God Bless!

With Patriotism,

James R. Almeida, Jr-PGK

Faithful Navigator.

Korean and Vietnam Census Extension!

Brother Sir Knights,

Please read from Master Ty Simmons. They have extended the census to 4-25-2025:

Worthy Brothers All,

The District has had limited entries so far and I am certain that there are more eligible members than have been submitted.  The form can be filled out by anybody.  If you know of a veteran who meets the criteria, – get him on the list! Put in as much info as you know.  

The census of the membership is to establish a record of service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

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.

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.

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.

Marshalls, please collaborate with your Assemblies to ensure that the membership in their councils have been surveyed to identify our BK’s who served in Korea and Vietnam and complete the below form so that they can be honored with a Mass at the National Basilica of the Immaculate

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.

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.

Deadline has been extended to enroll someone to April 25, 2025

Complete Fillable Form below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJno_WPIV8ZnazGYAoMPRvUNN_5q8M1OzOcibFyI84M6B2pQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Vivat Jesus,

Ty

Patriotism with Passion, Purpose & Pride

                Ty Simmons 

                     Master

           Marquette Province

       Northern Illinois District

      http://kofc4th-ndil.org        

   ty.simmons@comcast.net

        H- 630-859-2112

        C- 630-947-9404  

Message from Northern Illinois Master Ty Simmons

Worthy Brothers All,

The District has had limited entries so far and I am certain that there are more eligible members than have been submitted.  The form can be filled out by anybody.  If you know of a veteran who meets the criteria, – get him on the list! Put in as much info as you know.  

The census of the membership is to establish a record of service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

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.

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.

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.

Marshalls, please collaborate with your Assemblies to ensure that the membership in their councils have been surveyed to identify our BK’s who served in Korea and Vietnam and complete the below form so that they can be honored with a Mass at the National Basilica of the Immaculate

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.

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.

Deadline to enroll someone is February 28, 2025

Complete Fillable Form: https://forms.gle/w9woRNetBFzuGmjE9

Vivat Jesus,

Ty

Patriotism with Passion, Purpose & Pride

                Ty Simmons 

                     Master

           Marquette Province

       Northern Illinois District       

   ty.simmons@comcast.net

        H- 630-859-2112

        C- 630-947-9404  

Let’s Keep Going!

Worthy Brother Sir Knights,

I would like to remind you all of our Exemplification of Patriotism coming up on March 1st. If you have not yet, please invite new your council members who are not in the assembly. Remember to have them download the packet, fill it out and bring a check made to the Master Ty Simmons. A copy of their membership card and the Form 4. We are looking for at least 50 members from our assembly and they are looking for 125 for the 125th Anniversary of the 4th degree. Our next meeting at 25 N Cass Ave in Westmont, St. John’s Hall. 6pm dinner and 7pm meeting sharp. You can bring all your paperwork to the meeting so they can be read in and voted in. If you have any questions please let me know. Take care and God Bless!

Happy New Year!

Brother Sir Knights,

I would like to wish you all a very Happy and Blessed New Year! Let us make this all a great year, it is a Jubilee year and the 125th Anniversary of the 4th Degree. Please do not forget to invite at least 2 guys in your councils to join our great assembly. Thank you all for what you do and God Bless you.

Fraternally yours,

James R. Almeida, Jr-PGK

Faithful Navigator.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Brother Sir Knights,

On behalf of the officers of the Dr. Thomas Dooley Assembly #209, I would like to wish you all a very Blessed and Merry Christmas to you and your families! Remember those in need, those who are ill and those who are alone. Looking forward to a new year and a great season. Take care and God Bless you all!

Fraternally yours,

James R. Almeida, Jr-PGK

Faithful Navigator.

The Next Fourth Degree Exemplification Has Been Announced!

The next Fourth Degree Exemplification will be held on March 1st, 2025 at the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate in Joliet. The Host Assembly is the Bishop Romeo Blanchette Assembly #3044 led by Worthy Navigator Robert Pellegrini.

In celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Fourth Degree, Supreme will be issuing a special certificate for all degrees having at least 125 candidates. Therefore, the Northern Illinois District is targeting at least 125 candidates for this degree. Now is the time to identify and bring forward your candidates! Please click below for the information packet and reach out to Worthy Navigator James Almeda with questions.

A Message from Master Ty Simmons.

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.

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.

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.

Marshalls will work in conjunction with their Assemblies to survey their assigned councils to conduct a census of their membership and report results using the attached form. Where possible, documented service of deceased members will be recorded. 

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.

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.

Deadline to enroll someone is February 28, 2025

Fillable Form: https://forms.gle/w9woRNetBFzuGmjE9

Vivat Jesus,

Ty

Patriotism with Passion, Purpose & Pride

                Ty Simmons 

                     Master

           Marquette Province

      Northern Illinois District

      http://kofc4th-ndil.org        

   ty.simmons@comcast.net

        H- 630-859-2112

        C- 630-947-9404