History:
Color guards and marching bands have played a pivotal role in American history, with flags serving various purposes. Initially, a detachment of soldiers protected the flag, evolving over time to include color guards leading marching bands, drum and bugle corps, and other marching units. The third convention of The American Legion marked a significant moment, introducing band contests as a feature of each National Convention. Subsequently, color guard competitions were added, with The American Legion dedicating these classes to preserving and educating the rich and patriotic history of honor guards and bands within the Legion Family Organizations. Rooted in the military, The American Legion is committed to upholding proper protocol, maintaining a point of honor, and ensuring due respect for our National Colors in all ceremonial situations.
Purpose:
The primary intent of color guard classes, composed of members of The American Legion and/or Legion Family (Sons of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, or mixed participants), is to honor the American flag. This involves a military approach with dignity, style, and bearing associated with a ceremonial color guard. The performance can be creative, innovative, and entertaining while ensuring the National Colors remain an integral part of the display. The American Legion Competitive Flag Code serves as an essential guide for marching performances.
Class Eligibility:
Advancing/Retiring of Colors:
- Membership Requirement: Units must consist entirely of members of The American Legion and/or Legion Family.
- Age Requirement: Members must be over 18 years of age when competing for the Commander’s Color Guard.
- Minimum Members: Open to units composed of not less than four (4) members.
- Additional Opportunities: Units in this class may also participate in other American Legion Color Guard Contests.
Open Class:
- Membership Requirement: All units must be members of The American Legion and/or Legion Family.
- Age Limit: No age limit for this class.
- Minimum and Maximum Members: Open to units composed of not less than four (4) or more than seventeen (17) members, including Commanding Officer, Bugler, and/or Drummer.
- Music Use: Recorded or live music is allowed, communicated two weeks in advance. If live music is used, limited to six (6) performers placed outside the competitive marching area.
Military Class:
- Membership Requirement: Unit members must meet all American Legion membership requirements and be over 18 years of age.
- Minimum Members: Units must consist of at least four (4) members.
Military Class-Open:
- Membership Requirement: All units must be members of The American Legion and/or Legion Family.
- Age Requirement: Members must be over 18 years of age.
- Minimum Members: Units must consist of at least five (5) members.
JROTC Class:
- Eligibility: Composed of current high school students enrolled in a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program.
- Members: Units must consist of four (4) members, including the National Colors, Service Colors, and two (2) riflemen.
- Uniform: Members will dress in their service-specific regulation uniform, following service-specific JROTC regulation drill rules. A provided regulation drill routine will be followed
Additional Resources:
Click here to view the full list of rules and regulations.
