You Can Join the Color Guard

Not to be dramatic, but as with all SAR roles, the Color Guard is made up of volunteers willing to give their time to help further the goal of educating the public on the amazing history that gave us this Nation.

As we enter the last Quarter of 2026, we can be proud to look back on all of the events and organizations that the State and National Color Guards have attended in support of the Nation’s celebration of America’s 250th Birthday. But the work is never done…

Looking forward there are still many events to support in 2026, as well as the ongoing “Decade of the American Revolution”, and as “The Face of the SAR” we need members. Whether it is a Color Presentation, parade, or historical presentation, the Color Guard needs members to join our ranks…

“JOINING THE CAUSE”

Joining is as easy as reaching out to your Chapter Color Guard Commander. If your Chapter does not have a Color Guard, then reach out to me as well as your Chapter President about starting/restarting your Color Guard.

Each Chapter may have their own uniform requirements, so it is recommended that new members reach out before purchasing uniform items, but the typical uniform options are:

• Continental Army
• Continental Marines
• Continental Navy
• Militia/Frontiersman/Civilian

As with all things, costs depend on the source, and level of detail each guardsman wants to put into their “impression”. And the required level of “authenticity” will depend on the type of event you wish to take part in.

Typically, Color Guard events (Parades, Color Presentations, ceremonies, etc.) allow the use of modern clothing items, as long as the look is correct. For Guardsmen wishing to participate in Historical Reenactments and Living History Events, these require authentic clothing/footwear/accessories.

At a minimum, this is a breakdown of the items each guardsman should have (and approximate cost):

• Military Frock Coat (Wool): Est. $200-300 (Custom coat $600+)
• Rifleman’s Frock (Cotton/Linen): $100+
• Civilian Frock Coast (Wool): $150-300
  NOTE: Any guardsmen firing a musket must wear a Natural fiber coat (no synthetics)
• Waistcoat (Wool/Cotton/Linen): $75 – 150
• Work Shirt (Cotton/Linen): $50-150
• Breeches/Trousers (Wool/Cotton/Linen): $100-250
• Stockings (Cotton/Wool): $25-30 (Required if wearing breeches)
• Gaiters/Spatterdash: $50-100 (Half or Full depending on the Uniform choice)
• Black Leather Buckle Shoes: $150-200
  • Modern Black shoes/sneakers may be used if wearing Gaiters that cover laces, and there are no White/Colors materials showing.
• Tricorn/Rifleman’s Hat: $100-300
• Accessories (Recommended items noted)
  • Haversack (recommended): $50+
  • Canteen: $30-100 (wood or metal)
  • Cartridge Case (required for musket carriers): $100-200

Clothing & Equipment Suppliers (small sampling)

• samsonhistorical.com
• Townsends.us
• Crazycrow.com
• gggodwin.com
• thequartermastergeneral.com
• coleandsonusa.com
• Ebay.com (Search American Revolution, or for specific 18th century items)

In addition to the uniform, a few other requirements include the Youth Protection Training (found through the SAR national website) and Black Powder certification for any guardsman that wishes to take part in musket volleys at events.

As always, we are looking for volunteers to join the ranks of the Color Guard, and continue the fine tradition of the SAR.

If you have any questions, please contact your Chapter Color Guard Commander, or the State Color Guard Commander