Color Guard Contests winners named at convention

One of the outstanding events of each American Legion national convention is the Color Guard Contests, where units are judged on everything from precision to artistry.

On Friday, Aug. 18, six units from across the country took the stage at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center to compete in three classes: Advancing/Retiring of Colors, Military and Military-Open. Two units - Post 21 from Independence, Mo., which accompanies the American Legion Band of Greater Kansas City, and Post 224 from Easthampton, Mass. - were competing for the first time. Down a member due to illness, Post 224 performed as an exhibition, but according to member Keith Buckhout it's just the beginning. Plans for the Reno competition came together recently; it was only two months ago that they decided to go for it.

"This was to get our feet wet," Buckhout commented. Competing on the national stage for the first time is about "all the little things you don't pick up on" from watching videos or otherwise from a distance. Feedback from the judges will help them in future competitions. And they already have their sights set on the 2018 convention in Minneapolis, where - as befitting the kickoff of the Legion's Centennial Celebration - they hope to perform in real World War I-era attire. They are currently collecting pieces from helmets to leg wrappings.

Scores from the classes were:

Advancing/Retiring of Colors

Newport Harbor Post 291, Newport Beach, Calif.: 94.3

Harrisburg Post 472, Houston: 93.5

SAL Detachment of California District 12: 93.0

George Whiteman Memorial Post 642, Sedalia, Mo.: 86.7

Post 21, Independence, Mo.: 86.5

Military

George Whiteman Memorial Post 642: 88.85

Military-Open

Newport Harbor Post 291: 93.2

Harrisburg Post 472: 92.7

Newport Harbor Post 291 repeated as overall winner. National Commander Charles E. Schmidt, who presented the awards, commented, "You all make us proud."

Many of the units will also march with their departments in the National Convention Parade on Sunday.