The Patriarchs Militant (PM), a is the highest branch in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

The Patriarchs Militant was first organized by members of the Encampment who were military men and civil war veterans and was officially adopted as a separate branch of the fraternity in 1885. Later, the Rebekahs also formed the Ladies Auxiliary Patriarchs Militant for women.

Patriarchs Militant (PM) is Odd Fellowship’s uniformed branch. The name “Patriarchs Militant” conveys the two-fold idea of peace and soldierly valor. It is semi-military in character, organized for chivalric display in parades, honor guards, and ceremonial events. The branch admirably fulfills its mission through significant traditions, such as the annual ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers’ ceremony held in Washington, DC, and Canada.

Membership in the Patriarchs Militant requires holding the Royal Purple Degree, the highest degree of the IOOF Encampment branch. This ensures that members have demonstrated their commitment to the core values of Odd Fellowship—friendship, love, and truth—through a deeper understanding of the Order’s teachings and traditions.

The Patriarchs Militant has one singular degree, known as the Chevalier Degree. Upon completing this degree, members earn the privilege to hold office within their local unit, called a Canton. The term "Canton" reflects the structured and organized nature of this branch, drawing from its military-inspired traditions. Each Canton serves as a hub for fellowship, ceremonial activities, and community service, fostering unity and purpose among its members.

Members of the Patriarchs Militant are committed to serving humanity and upholding the values of friendship, love, and truth. Through ceremonial traditions and active participation in charitable efforts, the Patriarchs Militant honor the legacy of Odd Fellowship, fostering unity and goodwill across communities.

With a focus on discipline, dignity, and duty, the Patriarchs Militant inspires its members to lead by example, demonstrating the strength of collective purpose and the enduring importance of service to others.

Join the Patriarchs Militant

If you hold the Royal Purple Degree and seek a deeper connection to the principles of Odd Fellowship, consider earning the Chevalier Degree and becoming a part of this esteemed branch. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) has a long-standing tradition of honoring the sacrifices of unknown soldiers who have given their lives in service to their country. The Patriarchs Militant branch of the IOOF, formed in 1885, initiated the annual Tomb of the Unknown Soldier ceremony to commemorate these unidentified heroes with dignity and respect.

The ceremony is held at two significant locations: the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC, and at a similar monument in Canada. This solemn event reflects the Odd Fellows’ commitment to fraternity, patriotism, and the universal principles of peace and valor.

Each year, members of the Patriarchs Militant, in their distinguished uniforms, gather to perform chivalric rituals, lay wreaths, and pay tribute to the courage and sacrifices of the unknown soldiers. These ceremonies serve as a powerful reminder of the Order’s dedication to the values of service, unity, and remembrance.

The event has become a central tradition for the Patriarchs Militant and embodies their dual mission of promoting peace and demonstrating soldierly honor. It also reinforces the Odd Fellows’ overarching commitment to humanity, charity, and gratitude for those who gave their all for freedom and justice.