SABATTUS – Bishop Edward C. O’Leary Council 13181, Knights of Columbus, presented an award to Sgt. David W. Devoe, Army National Guard, on Father’s Day, June 18, thanking him for his service to the country. It read:

“The four pillars of the Knights of Columbus are charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. The Fourth Degree of the Order is dedicated to promoting and honoring patriotism.

“In that spirit, we present this certificate to you in recognition of your selfless service to our nation and the role you played in lifting the yoke of tyranny from the shoulders of the long-suffering people of Iraq. We are one nation under God dedicated to the idea that, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” The founders of our nation believed that these truths were not just for one people during one time in history, but were for all people at all times.

“Your dedication to that ideal through your military service in Afghanistan and/or Iraq stands as both an example and inspiration to us all as we strive to live up to the principle of patriotism to which the Knights of Columbus is dedicated.

“To you, a patriot, we say thank you.

“Presented in gratitude to Sergeant David W. Devoe, U.S. Army, by the Supreme Assembly of the Knights of Columbus for selfless and patriotic service in the United States Armed Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq this 23rd day of January 2006, Carl A. Anderson, Supreme Knight and Joseph P. Shultz, Supreme Master.”