Decoration of Chivalry

Decoration of Chivalry

The Decoration of Chivalry (not to be confused with the Grand Decoration of Chivalry is conferred upon qualified members who have demonstrated outstanding meritorious service and meaningful civic or benevolent activity.

Qualifications

An applicant must:

• Be a member in good standing of a Canton.
• Own a Full Dress Patriarchs Militant uniform.
• Have performed outstanding meritorious service in the Order.
• Have been active in civic or benevolent work in the community, helping those outside their family circle.

Recommendations

A Canton may recommend one member annually for each fifty members, or fraction thereof.

The recommending unit and the approving Canton must act by written ballot, requiring a three-fourths affirmative vote.

Approval Process

Favorably recommended applications are reviewed by the Department Commander.

If approved, the recommendation must also receive a three-fourths vote of those present at the Department Council before the conferring of the Decoration is authorized.

Where no Department Council exists, applications are forwarded to the Special Aide for review and then to the General Military Council for authorization.

Conferral

The Department Commander has sole authority to confer the Decoration, though that authority may be delegated to another officer, who must submit a prompt written report.

No Decoration may be conferred unless obtained from a legal source.

Jewel

Members may contribute toward the cost of a jewel. A Canton or Department Council may also pay from its own funds, but the member recommended to receive the Decoration may not contribute toward the cost.

Jewels may be obtained only in the following ways:

• Purchased through the Department Council.
• Purchased directly from the Sovereign Grand Lodge where no Department Council exists.
• Previously donated or bequeathed jewels, upon payment of the required recording fee to the Department Council.