The Department Council of Florida

Formed in 1885, the Patriarchs Militant (PM) is Odd Fellowship’s uniformed branch. The purpose of this branch of the order was to provide a "Display Element", whereas members could participate in parades, provide honor guards, etc., to promote the Independant Order of Odd Fellows. The name “Patriarchs Militant” conveys the two-fold idea of peace and soldierly valor. It is purely semi-military in its character. Originally it was organized for chivalric display for local parades and to provide honor guards when deemed appropriate. Every year the PM has the honor of attending to the annual ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers’ ceremony held in Washington DC and Canada.

In 1934 President Franklin D. Roosevelt bestowed the honor to the Patriarchs Militant as the only fraternal organization permitted to conduct a Pilgrimage to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. On July 7, 1940, the Grand Sire, on behalf of IOOF presented to the Unknown Soldier the Grand Decoration of Chivalry, the highest decoration bestowed upon an Odd Fellow. This Jewel, received by the Department of Army, is prominently displayed in the Hall of Trophies. On May 3, 1959 the Sovereign Grand Master presented two more Grand Decoration of Chivalry Jewels to the Army – one for the Unknown Soldier of World War II and the other for the Unknown Soldier of the Korean Conflict. Both Jewels were placed in the Hall of Trophies.

There is only one degree, the Chevalier degree. This degree is based upon the principle of universal justice and the doctrine of rights, advocated by peaceful methods, but, if necessary, defends with exercise of force. Upon completion of this degree, one is entitled to hold office in the Canton. Sometimes the Patriarchs Militant is referred to as “the Canton”, due to the Canton being the name used in lieu of “Lodge”. The seal of the PM is a gold and jeweled crown, within which is a shepherd's crook crossed with a sword and the triple links of Odd Fellowship connecting the two at the bottom. One must retain their membership and remain in good standing within Odd Fellows while a member of the PM.

To learn more, please visit the Patriarchs Militant at http://ioofpm.org

The information here was taken from The Sovereign Grand Lodge website, located at Odd-fellows.org