Color Guard Supporting Community Events

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 11:30:27 -0400

I have been the Color Sergeant for my units Joint Service Color Guard for over 2 years now. We have supported many community events such as the annual Veteran's Day Parade, the Policeman's Ball, Wounded Warrior Ride, and the POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony and many others. I firmly believe that we have an obligation to show our community that we support them 100%.

That being said, this year the Color Guard received a request to parade our colors for the Key West Pride Parade. This is an event that marches in support of Gay Rights and the "One Human Family" concept. I have done my own research and the event is not distasteful or anything. It almost looks like a Veterans Day Parade just with a rainbow flag instead of American Flags.

I guess my question is does anyone think that it would cast a negative light if the Color Guard were to march in the parade? I have had conversations with a lot of people. Many support the idea and many do not.

The Color Guard would be placed in the front of the parade directly behind the Chief of Police who would be leading and we would be followed by the local fire deportment with a few trucks. I understand that this is a touch subject for some people, but I'm trying to look at it from a professional stand point of the Color Guard acting in an official capacity. Thoughts?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 11:32 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 11:32:39 -0400

I'm for it

Response by SFC Rich Carey made Apr 18 at 2014 11:35 AM

SFC Rich Carey — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 11:35:10 -0400

I don't think it would put a negative light on the color guard itself. It may bring a lot of comments and dissapproval.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 18 at 2014 11:57 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 11:57:19 -0400

That's a great question and as you pointed out a topic that can bring both support and disapproval.

Here is my two cents; you will regardless of the research and things you do catch heat over this. People will see it as an act of the US Military supporting the organization and that will not sit right with some.

However, others will see it as you providing the community with support.

Personally, I don't see an issue with you. If the organizers were trying to have you carry a banner or something that you didn't agree with or went against standing regulations or policies then I think you would have a bigger issue on your hands but from what you shared, it is nothing more than a community group asking for a color guard to be present to show their respect to the country. Seems good to go.

Response by SGT John Phillips made Apr 19 at 2014 5:50 PM

SGT John Phillips — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 17:50:05 -0400

I think it would be okay to an extent. I'm not in anymore but I do know soldiers are told to do many different details. I personally would not want to do it due to my personal beliefs on the topic. Which brings me to my point in think it is ok but the soldiers doing this detail should be given the opportunity to opt out if they don't want to do it. Be a voluntary detail due to the controversial subject.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 9 at 2014 10:42 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 22:42:18 -0400

I don't believe so because the color guard is representing the military and patriotism. If anyone thinks its a sign of, "the military supports ..." then in my opinion they are wrong.

If you are for any reason not being invited as a representation of the armed forces then I would definitely double check my 6

Response by 1SG Kevin Moore made Jan 24 at 2015 8:56 AM

1SG Kevin Moore — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 08:56:14 -0500

I don't see a problem here the colors represent all americans.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2015 12:25 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 12:25:12 -0500

Understanding You and every member of your Color Guard (and me) will have our own "personal" opinion, the decision to participate will (should) not be yours to make. If instructed to participate, it would most likely come thru your higher headquarters Protocol Office after the Senior Cdr makes his/her decision, down to you commander.

I believe it may cause a bit of discussion at the headquarters level before a decision ismade and hope you will post letting us know what the outcome of the decision came to be (for general interest). I know some will agree and some will not, however, I will not be surprised if the Color Guard is directed to participate. The liberalization of thoughts and views of the country, decisions by our leadership have madated it is what it is.

I'm sure you keep your Color Guard uniform ready at all times....and think this will be one of them as well. Good luck!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 8:28 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 08:28:40 -0500

Well as a follow up to my original posting/question, the Joint Service Color Guard was cleared to participate in the Key West Pride Parade. The event was a huge success and I believe the Color Guard received even more cheer and praise then at the Veteran's Day Parade. The parade was conducted very tastefully and respectfully.

The final decision was made based on the notion that we volunteered to serve our country. We volunteered to fight for and protect the rights of every American citizen regardless of race, color, creed, gender, or lifestyle preference and that is what a Color Guard represents. The Color Guard represents the services that we volunteered for and the nation that we protect. I am extremely proud of my Color Guard. They performed flawlessly and professionally as they have always done.

Every senior leader both Officer and Enlisted agreed that this was the right decision and the City of Key West was extremely appreciative of their support for the community.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 8:17 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 08:17:26 -0500

Like you said it would be in support of the community so nothing would be wrong bout it.

Response by Patricia Durant made May 3 at 2017 12:06 PM

Patricia Durant — Wed, 03 May 2017 12:06:45 -0400

Hi I am an Activity Director in a Manchester Nursing Facility, I am lucky to have a POW with us and he is not doing good at all he is on Hospice care. I was HOPING to have a Color Guard come and present a Flag to him I have a flag already I just need someone to come in. I have try my local National Guard with no luck. PLEASE TRY TO HELP THIS MAN WAS A POW FOR ALMOST 19 YEARS IN THE PHILIPPINES. Thank Pat Durant: my number is 669-1660 HELP

Response by TSgt John Marshall made May 13 at 2018 10:14 AM

TSgt John Marshall — Sun, 13 May 2018 10:14:42 -0400

As long as your unit's Protocol office knows and your leadership gives the OK, there shouldn't be an issue, since this is a community support event for you.
Remember, your team is not authorized to carry any non-military flag (Army and Air Force may carry a state or foreign national flag in the color guard).