In August of 1953, three major developments occurred in the life of my father, William J. Karpus. That month, he turned 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and he became a member of Knights of Columbus Council 414 in Bay City.

 

In 2000, he proudly showed me the Honorary Life card he received when he turned 65. In 2001, he died of complications of cancer. After his death, my mother gave to me, out of all five sons, my dad's prayer books, his various Knights paraphernalia, since I was his only son who was a Knight at the time, and his only set of cuff links.

 

Today, I will be wearing those cuff links in his honor as I take part in the Exemplification of three new brother Knights for my Council 2084 in Greenville. 

 

Happy Father's Day to all of my brother Knights who are fathers and future fathers. St. Joseph, pray for us in this most important role.