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.
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 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.
My Brother Sir Knights,
I want to wish you and your families and very Blessed Thanksgiving and a great weekend. Please let us remember to keep our brothers past and present in your prayers and look out for those who are need. Take care and God Bless You All!
Fraternally yours in Patriotism,
James R. Almeida, Jr
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
H- 630-859-2112
C- 630-947-9404
September 14th, 2024
Manteno Cookout
1 Veterans Dr.
Manteno, Illinois, 60950
Volunteers needed, show up at 10:30 AM
Veterans served our Country, time to give back.
We are winding down the summer and knowing that kids or grandkids are going back to school we look forward to seeing them off, but our work is still going on. I look forward to seeing you at the next meeting and letting you know the current updates. Please keep checking this site for upcoming events such as honor guards, gold outings, fund raisers and the Manteno cook out. Bring a brother Knight to the meeting, especially if they have not been in a while. They are always welcomed to share a meal, laughs and fraternity. If you know anyone who needs a ride or assistance, please reach out and I am sure we will get them what they need. We should not leave a brother behind if he cannot make it. Hope to see you all soon. Take care and God Bless!
Fraternally yours,
James R. Almeida, Jr-PGK
Faithful Navigator.
