Our Assembly has been celebrating July 4th in Caldwell, NC, for well over ten years.

We were asked to provide a color guard to replace a veterans’ group that disbanded.  We have been there ever since.

Caldwell is a small rural community located at NC Highway 57 at Guess Road in Durham County.  It is just a short distance to St. Matthews Catholic Church.

You are encouraged to show your patriotic spirit by joining in the festivities and parade.  The Knights gather at the Caldwell Volunteer Fire House on Guess Road between 10 and 10:15 a.m. for formation.  We are at the very front and form a Knights’ Color Guard that follows a color guard from The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Chapel Hill Post 9100.  Many of our assembly members are also members of the VFW.

The parade starts moving at about 10:45 am and proceeds to the intersection of NC 57 and Guess Road.  It stops and waits for the parade start at 11 a.m.  Directions

Strange things happen at 11 a.m.  First, the first car to reach the intersection is stopped.  The driver is escorted from their car and is made the Caldwell Parade Grand Marshal.  The Caldwell Air Force (a biplane) flies over the parade and the National Anthem is played to start the parade. Our very own Gil Montoya was caught one year, but he enjoyed the honor as a Grand Marshal.

There are marching groups, manure spreaders, cowboys on horseback, floats, scooters, bicycles, motor bikes, antique cars, bands, fire trucks, and antique cars.

The parade continues for about one mile and ends at the Caldwell Community Center.  The Knights break off (as we lead the parade) and join their family at the community center park. Msgr. William O’Brien, Assembly 3365, from St. Matthews Church will be hosting an “after the parade lunch” for the Knights and their families in the park next the to community center.  The VFW is providing hot dogs and the Durham Assembly is providing hamburgers and lots of cold water.  You are asked to bring a dish to share. It can be  fruit, a salad, a favorite family dish, or whatever you are inclined to share.

Be sure to bring your family and especially grandchildren.  The Caldwell parade is Americana and country living at its best.

The Knights of the Fourth Degree are known for their primary purpose; to promote and demonstrate patriotism in the Catholic Community.  Our pride in self as Catholic men and gentlemen is demonstrated by our community service and participation in patriotic programs, events, and support of veterans. We hope that you will join us.

Parade participation is open to all Chapel Hill and Durham Council Knights and their families.  This is a good opportunity to spend time with Fourth Degree Knights in a social-patriotic-community event.

Dress for Assembly members is Assembly golf shirts, shorts or slacks.