The return of the guards

While the participants were slightly fewer than in 2019 – the last time a national American Legion color guard competition was held – the Legion’s 102nd National Convention in the Phoenix Convention Center kicked off Friday with a contest no less spirited.

Four color guards from across the country competed in the categories of Advancing/Retiring Colors, Military Class and Military Class-Open:

Newport Harbor American Legion Post 291, Newport Beach, Calif.

Harrisburg American Legion Post 472, Houston

Department of Massachusetts American Legion Post 124, Westfield, Mass.

American Legion Post 58, Fountain Hills, Ariz.

Fountain Hills is about 35 miles from Phoenix. The group, a previous department champion, competed in the national competition for the third time, to represent their post and state. According to guard member Kevin Wood, they had practiced three times a week since April. The best part, to him? The competition – “Everybody out there has tried their hardest.”

National Commander Bill Oxford, in presenting the awards, praised the “preparation, dedication, concentration” of the units. Harrisburg and Newport Harbor have been the titans, of sorts, of the National Color Guard Contest for several years. Harrisburg, having taken the overall title in 2019, is serving as the national commander’s color guard for the Phoenix convention – but Newport Harbor obtained that honor for 2022, in Milwaukee. 

The final standings:

Military Class – Open:

Department of Massachusetts: 89.75

Military Class:

Harrisburg: 92.65

Newport Harbor: 92.05

Fountain Hills: 89.5

Advancing/Retiring Colors:

Newport Harbor: 94.95

Harrisburg: 91.8

Fountain Hills: 91.35

Department of Massachusetts: 89.3