Since time immemorial, warriors have always held a revered, honored and respected place in society. In spite of all political meanderings and the ebb and flow of societal values, this has never changed and it never will. There is an honor and pride in joining this brotherhood that can be gained nowhere else, and once joined can never be taken away. Although women are not excluded, it has always been the man’s role to be the protector and provider. This is your responsibility and your role to uphold and honor in your time upon this earth.
The responsibility of a warrior does not merely necessitate the taking up of arms against an enemy. It is more, much more and it is such that you become an example, a role model of ethical and moral behavior to all others who may look to you for guidance or protection. If this is the path in life that you have chosen to walk then know that it is a path well worn by the footsteps of those who have walked here before you. Others, who have willingly said; I will endure the hardship, the pain, the sacrifice and the risk of death so that those who sleep soundly in their beds can do so in the warm embrace of safety and peace.
If this is your choice then know that your road will be fraught with adversity and you will be assailed by many, but in those times, remember that you are in the company of the noble souls who have also faced such adversity and prevailed. And also know that your legacy shall be that until the end of time, as the last sun sets upon this earth, in that blackest night, somewhere a warrior still stands his lonely watch.
The Order of the Knights of the Black Shamrock is a good and noble Order ordained and established on this day 19 November, in the year of our Lord 2008.
The aims and goals of this order are to promote and uphold the virtues of the Noble Warrior, the undying worth of the ideals of chivalry, and to espouse the value and worthiness of these ideals to those who would take interest in them. Members of the Order are entrusted with the noble charge of passing this legacy to the next generations, our youth, our sons and our daughters. The mentoring of the next generation through deeds and by example of these noble ideals shall be among the most revered and honored that a member of the Order of The Black Shamrock can enjoin. This is a sacred trust and a noble duty entrusted to all who are members. Not all who feel compelled to join this order need be required to fight with fist and arms as there are those whose voice, words, and deeds are their sword and shield and are the most valued in their time of need. For there are times when a sharp wit and a pointed pen are more telling than a sharp blade or a true aim.
A warrior is one who stands against the tide of public opinion and self compromise whose cause is just and right. He is willing to fight in the best manner unto each man, against evil, tyranny and injustice. And, he will continue to fight even if alone against overwhelming odds, for his will is strengthened by truth and righteous conviction, knowing also, in his heart of hearts, that a man who stands with his convictions never stands alone.
If you are one of such standards and ideals then the Noble Order of The Black Shamrock will welcome you to its ranks.
The Order of The Black Shamrock is an organization, a brotherhood, formed to honor the warrior class and to promote the timeless ideals of Courage, Honor, Nobility, and Chivalry.
The Medieval Knight and the Royal Orders represented the ultimate warrior class of western civilization mirrored only in the East by the Samurai of Feudal Japan. The Knight represented the ultimate culmination of skills and the epitome of human development. Fearless in battle, heedless of death, driven by a cause and held to a strict set of moral standards. To the common man, they represented the ultimate in human achievement. And they represented the protector, their bulwark against evil.
These knights also represented the idea that someone possessed of such deadly skills and destructive force could at the same time be held accountable by adherence to a code of strict moral, ethical, and honorable standards. Standards held higher for them than any others. Such was the definition of chivalry.
And this definition stands true today. We are warriors. We are warriors in the fight for justice, for truth, for freedom. We are warriors against tyranny, against oppression, against evil in all its forms. We are warriors for what is right and good. We are warriors who protect those helpless, from harm. We are warriors who fight to protect our way of life. We are warriors who carry on the legacy of those who have gone before us, those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and the safety of our families. We carry on the legacy of the warrior class, those who have always stepped to the frontline to place themselves as the last wall of defense between the evil that would destroy it and the precious things that we hold so dear.
This legacy has been borne true since the time of the noble knights and it is now held forth by those who heed to its calling to this day. Those who stand watch over our neighborhoods and city streets. From the dirt-swept planes of Afghanistan to the front doors of our very homes where our families sleep at night, a warrior stands at the ready. Whether you are a Soldier, Police Officer, Fireman, or guardian, we are the brotherhood of warriors, the protectors, those who will not run from danger, but run to it, to seek its source and with shield and sword, strike it dead to stop its terrible spread. We are the noble knights who will, without hesitation, and against fear, enjoin the battle to protect and guard the safety of those who lay their trust in us.
Not every man is a warrior, but for those that are, know that you are the steel that runs through the foundation of society and civilization and that without you there would be no liberty, no freedom and no justice for all.
The warrior is held to a higher standard. The highest standard. The greatest heroes in the history of the world have been warriors. You are counted among those heroes, those times, those events that have shaped human history, that have built the greatest civilizations on this planet. Count yourself among the ranks of those brothers and know that you stand shoulder to shoulder with those who have shaped the destiny of the world with steel, blood, fists, and glory.
You know who you are. Carry the pride and bearing that befits the status that you have earned and that you hold. Be proud that you have chosen to walk the path taken by few and revered by many.
And know also, that as warriors, we will never perish from the face of the Earth.
The Order of the Black Shamrock welcomes you.
PRACTICE YOUR SKILL AT ARMS DILIGENTLY AND WITH PROPER INTENT, SEEKING EXCELLENCE IN ALL ENDEAVORS.
ALWAYS BE PREPARED TO DO BATTLE FOR THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM, LIBERTY, JUSTICE AND ALL THAT IS GOOD.
NEVER BE SILENT AMONG THE VOICES OF FALSEHOODS NO MATTER THE NUMBER, FOR TRUTH SHALL BE YOUR SHIELD AGAINST HARM.
BE WILLING TO ENDURE HARDSHIP, PAIN, OR DEATH TO PROTECT WOMEN, CHILDREN, AND THE DEFENSELESS AGAINST HARM.
ALWAYS ACT IN A NOBLE AND CHIVALROUS MANNER, WORTHY OF RESPECT AND HONOR.
ALWAYS KEEP YOUR WEAPONS SAFE, CLEAN AND AT THE READY SHOULD THEY BE NEEDED.
NEVER USE FORCE OF ARMS OR FORCE OF WILL FOR ANY UNJUST PURPOSE.
OBEY THE LAWS OF THE LAND IF THEY BE NOT CONTRARY TO THE HIGHER LAWS OF MORALS, ETHICS, AND TRUTH.
THOU SHALT BE EVERYWHERE AND ALWAYS, THE CHAMPION OF THE RIGHT AND GOOD AGAINST INJUSTICE AND EVIL, BEING ALWAYS MINDFUL TO TEMPER JUSTICE WITH MERCY.
THOU SHALT NEVER LIE AND SHALL REMAIN FAITHFUL TO THY PLEDGED WORD.
THOU SHALT NEVER RECOIL BEFORE THINE ENEMY.
NEVER ABANDON A FRIEND, ALLY, FELLOW MEMBER OF THE ORDER OR A NOBLE CAUSE AND REMAIN LOYAL TO ONE’S FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND THOSE WHO LAY THEIR TRUST IN THEE.
OATH OF THE ORDER
“I solemnly swear to uphold the values, ideals, and principles of the Order of the Black Shamrock and abide by the Twelve Rules of the Noble Order. I will live my life according to these standards and will not forsake these ideals even under the threat of death.”
HEREIN LIES THE LIST OF THE OFFICIAL ARMS
Quadrant shield representing the Orders Ideals spread to all four corners of the Earth
Knights Helmet above to signify the noble warrior armed and at the ready
Lion over the helmet with dagger showing the ideals of courage in battle and martial prowess
On the shield are featured:
The Lion for Courage
The Daggered Crosslet for Armed Defense of Beliefs
The Mailed Fist for strength in combat
The Black Shamrock for unwavering resolve against all odds
The Colors of the Field
Red for strength against enemies
Gold for never ceasing vigilance
Black for steadfast honor in the darkest hour
The Motto In Latin
Translation: "Peace Acquired by Use of Arms"
PROTECT THE WEAK
DEFEND THE INNOCENT
STAND UP TO TYRANNY AND UNJUST BEHAVIOR
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS AND ACCEPT THE CONSEQUENCES
HONOR FRIENDSHIP WITH LOYALTY
STAND TALL IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY
ASK MORE OF YOURSELF THAN OTHERS
NEVER DO ANYTHING WITHOUT A PURPOSE
NEVER DO ANYTHING THAT IS USELESS
BE HONEST IN YOUR INTENTIONS AND ACTIONS WITH EVERYONE YOU MEET
Be not afraid of adversity, hardship or of the cruel will of others for the knight who has moral courage shall wear his armour both inside and out, being always on the side of truth and his heart, will, and soul will stand impenetrable to the assault of his enemies.
Seek always the path of “right”, being not encumbered by bias or personal interest. Seek the truth in all things ensuring that your decisions are just and righteous so that no matter the judgment of your actions, in this world or the next, they are held correct and good.
Know always those who are less fortunate than you, recognize them and give them willingly of your time, skills and worth without condition or want of repayment, for your reward shall be found much greater in their love, respect and gratitude.
Be always known for your unwavering commitment to the people and ideals you have chosen to live by. Let no temptation ever assail the steadfastness of your sacred loyal word.
A knight must have faith in his beliefs, for being the rock of his foundation, faith roots him and gives hope against the despair that human failings create.
Seek great stature by holding always to the virtues and duties of a knight knowing that by your noble example your influence will offer a compelling example to others of what can be attained in the service of rightness.
Be mindful at all times that sometimes the greatest justice is found in mercy and forgiveness. Though wronged, the granting of mercy may be the most valuable subject of your actions in such a time.
To seek excellence in and mastery of all skills required of a warrior knight in martial skills, physical health, physical prowess, and academic enrichment through the gathering of knowledge so as to be able to use all skills, both physical and mental as the strength needed to serve the defense of Justice and Freedom.