The Fourth Degree emblem consists of three overlaid objects representing the Trinity. The Globe represents God the Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth. The Crusader's Cross, similar to the cross which knights use to wear into battle during the Holy Crusades, represents God the Son, Jesus Christ. The Dove represents the God the Holy Spirit, Paraclete. The colors, Red, White, and Blue are the colors of the American Flag representative of the principle of the 4th Degree, Patriotism.

The history of the creation of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus is directly linked to the social and political climate in the United States at the turn of the last century. It is in that light that the connection between the Fourth Degree and its Color Corps has grown to be the most visible aspect of the Knights.
The idea of adding new degrees to the Order's original three, (Charity, Unity, Fraternity) first came to light in 1886. Supreme Knight James T. Mullen appointed a committee to look into forming two new "commander" degrees. That same year the Connecticut Catholic, a local newspaper, carried an advertisement calling members of local Knights of Columbus councils to meet to form a "Uniformed Legion." The idea for this new unit arose from a growing nation wide sense of Nationalism, or what we would call today Patriotism. The unknown author in Connecticut was not alone in wanting a visible organization.

Little happened at this time because there was not enough wide spread interest in creating additional new degrees. The Order's leaders balked at the idea of a Uniformed Legion for the simple reason that the cost for the "Uniform" was well over $100.00 They feared the "Legion" would cause an economical class split between wealthy and poorer members of the Order.

Following the Spanish American War, it was decided that there should be one new Degree added based on the principle of Patriotism. In 1899, Edward L. Hearn was elected Supreme Knight and he immediately appointed a committee to establish and format the new Degree to be given the following year.

In order to qualify for this Degree each candidate had to be a Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus in good standing for three years, and show evidence of distinctive service to the Order, church, and community. Finally the candidate had to have a letter from his priest stipulating that he had received communion within the past two weeks.

The first Exemplification of the new Degree was scheduled to be held in the Astor Hotel in New York City on February 22, 1900. However, there were so many candidates, the Exemplification had to be moved to a larger venue. Therefore the site was moved to the Lenox Lyceum. At this first Exemplification of the Fourth Degree 1,100 members of the Knights of Columbus, being in good standing "took their fourth." The second Exemplification, held in Boston on May 8, 1900 saw another 750 Third Degree knights join the ranks of Sir Knights.

In the early years of the Fourth Degree, members met as part of their councils, mostly after meetings. In 1910, during a reorganization of the Order's leadership, the first Assemblies were created. Additionally the position of Supreme Master was established to lead the Fourth Degree internationally. Vice Supreme Masters lead Provinces and Masters head Districts. This system has spread and flourished as Sir Knights not only serve their local Church through their service to local councils but also their joint efforts in these Assemblies.

In the year 2000, the Fourth degree celebrated its 100th anniversary with approximately 252,000 member Sir Knights.

The Honor Guard, first called for in 1886 was officially formed in 1902, for ceremonial purposes. Since that time, the uniforms of the Color Corps have varied, however all have shared the similiar theme of mariners. Most noticeable in today's current uniform is the chapeau worn with ostrich feathers. The Color Corps of the Knights of Columbus are the uniformed members of the Fourth Degree. They are the ones that are most noticeable at church and public functions, parades, etc. They actually consist of two parts: The Color Guard and the Honor Guard Honor Guardsmen are those members who have mastered the Manual of the Sword. All others are Color Guard. The primary responsibility of the Honor Guard is to participate in recital of the rosary, wake, and burial of deceased members. This, of course is at the request of the deceased Sir Knight's family. The Color Corps has the responsibility of participating in any public event where the colors (flags) of America, State, Papal, and KC are displayed in honor and reverence. The corps basically follows a Naval theme with ranks and insignia. Note that the chapeaus, which are never called hats, are similiar to the old naval uniforms. Cape colors are an indication of rank. Vice Supreme Masters wear blue capes and chapeaux. Masters wear gold capes and chapeaux. District Marshals (District level Color Corps Commanders) wear green capes and chapeaux. Faithful navigators (whether a member of the corps or not) wear white capes and chapeaux. Commanders wear purple capes and chapeaux. Other Color Corps Members wear red capes and chapeaux. Former Vice Supreme Masters, Former District Marshals, and Past Faithful Navigators are all permitted to wear their respective capes and chapeaux when they finish their term of office.