VASSAR Color Guard
VASSAR Color Guard at Yorktown, October 19, 2005.
The VASSAR Color Guard has been formed as the state society activity. Its purpose is to provide color bearers for state and chapter special activities. Color Guard policy is made by the VASSAR Color Guard Committee under the guidance of the 2nd Vice President.
Uniformed color guards add color and interest to SAR activities and are useful in attracting the attention of the public to our organization. Once we have the attention of the public, we have an opportunity to explain our goals and objectives and attract new members.
Our current objective is to form three subunits of four or more uniformed members each, one in tidewater, one in southwestern Virginia and one in Northern Virginia. This structure is most likely to provide two or more uniformed members when needed to participate in ceremonial activities within their respective regions and to collectively serve the state society at annual and midwinter meetings.
Compatriots may enlist in the VASSAR Color Guard for three year periods. The Committee establishes from time to time what degree of participation qualifies for award of the bronze color guard medal. Generally, award is based on participation in the two VASSAR meetings held each year for a 3-year period but service at chapter events, grave markings, parades and at NSSAR events may also be qualifying service.
Many uniforms were worn by Virginia soldiers of the Revolution and recreations of all of those uniforms are welcome in the Color Guard. Three styles are generally seen and all qualify as appropriate for color guard work;
a. the Virginia Continental Line uniform consisting of a blue coat with red facings and pewter USA buttons with white waistcoat and trousers and a black cocked hat with white trim.
b. The
hunting shirt style generally in white/buff color with cocked hat or round
hat.
c. The
Commander in Chiefs Guard blue uniform with buff facings, white stockings
and a black cocked hat. This
uniform is often seen in polyester materials.
Left: Dominic Lay and Joe Dooley - Cowpens 2006
Right: Larry McKinley and Andy Johnson - Cowpens 2005.
The Color Guard Committee can advise recruits on sources for uniforms and equipment. Regrettably, purchase must usually be an individual expense.
It is a goal of the Color Guard Committee to encourage the wear of the Continental Line uniform in wool. A small supply of coats, trousers, and waistcoats is available from committee stores, generally in youthful sizes. Compatriots who wish to enlist in the Color Guard may contact the Chairman regarding available sizes.
To encourage purchase of the Continental Line uniform, the
Committee offers the “Buy your Hat” program whereby the Committee will
furnish a good quality cocked hat to each newly recruited Color Guard
enlistee who establishes that he has purchased the Virginia Continental
Line uniform for color guard use. Funds
are, of course, limited for this program so first to apply will be first
considered.
ENLIST TODAY FOR FUN
AND
Contact:
Andrew M Johnson
1200 South Monroe St
Arlington, VA 22204-4219
(703) 892-4247
amjohnson@juno.com
HOW TO JOIN
Qualifications for NSSAR Membership
VASSAR OFFICERS
Contact the Officers of the Virginia Society
LOCAL CHAPTERS
Find Your Local Virginia Society Chapter
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Upcoming Events & Programs Sponsored by the
VASSAR and the NSSAR
VASSAR SPONSORED
ACTIVITIES
Oration, Essay and Other Activities of the
VASSAR
VASSAR PHOTO
GALLERY
Pictorial Record of Various Society Events
VASSAR
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
VASSAR Handbook, Committee
Assignments, etc.
LINKS
Historical, Patriotic & Genealogical Links
