Sons
of the American Revolution
Indiana
Society Color Guard
Organized 10 April 2003
I. Charter
Through participation in historical, patriotic and educational
endeavors, the Indiana State Society SAR Color Guard (INSSARCG) is to honor our
patriot ancestors; promote the INSSAR; and inspire the community with the
principles on which our nation was founded.
II. Organization
The INSSARCG
functions under a standing committee of the Indiana Society Sons of the
American Revolution. The Color Guard Committee chairman, appointed by the
Indiana Society President, serves as the State Commander. Area Commanders
are appointed by the State Commander. Committee membership is
subject to the Indiana Society Bylaws.
State Commander,
is responsible for overall INSSARCG organization and activities. This includes, but is not limited to:
appointing and overseeing all committee functions; leading events; maintaining
the list of scheduled events; approving expenditures; recruiting new personnel;
receiving and evaluating requests for INSSARCG appearances; producing a quarterly report for the
INSSAR President..
Area Commanders,
whose areas of responsibility are set by the telephone area code boundaries,
are responsible for INSSARCG organization and activities within his designated
geographic area. This includes, but is
not limited to: leading events; maintaining a roster of compatriots who wish to
participate in INSSARCG activities; maintaining a record of attendees at each
area event; recruiting new personnel; assuring all participants are properly
attired; receiving and evaluating requests for INSSARCG appearances.
III. Fiscal Responsibility
The INSSARCG is self-funded, primarily from honorarium. Funds received are maintained in a separate operating fund, with oversight by the Indiana Society Treasurer. The State Commander will have discretionary spending authority for supplies, equipment acquisition and maintenance, and event associated expenses. Expenditures other than those directly related to Color Guard activities will be subject to approval by the committee.
Individuals are to contact the State Commander or designated Area Commander regarding opportunities for color guard appearances. Requests received by the State Commander will be forwarded to the responsible Area INSSARCG Commander for consideration.
The Area Commander will evaluate the request against prior commitments, available assets and appropriateness of the event, and then forward a recommendation to the State Commander whether to accept/decline the request. This recommendation should include a short statement in support of the Area Commander's decision and, if accepted, whether assets (people, flags, uniforms, etc.) would be required from outside his area of responsibility (usually from an adjacent area).
The optimum number in a color guard is five guardsmen, with a
minimum of three. Major media events,
revenue producing appearances, support of DAR & CAR activities, etc.,
should be treated with "maximum effort." In all cases, the appropriate number of
guardsmen should be evaluated based upon the particular event. It may not be suitable to have fifteen
participants at a simple flag posting.
Conversely, the SAR would not be adequately represented with only two
people participating in a large parade.
Once an event is approved, the event will be “published” and
sanctioned by the Indiana Society. The
Area Commander will contact personnel within his area of responsibility to
finalize the roster for the event and keep them fully informed regarding
details of the event (date, time, location, special requirements, etc.). It is suggested that the Area Commander
identify a local point of contact who would be responsible for gathering and
forwarding details regarding the event, particularly last minute changes, to
the Area Commander.
Sons of the American Revolution
Uniform Policy
7 July 2003
The INSSAR
Color Guard does not require members to obtain a standardized uniform. Members are encouraged to research and
acquire the uniform or dress of their Revolutionary War patriot
ancestor(s). Either regimental or field
dress is appropriate as long as it is historically accurate. The Color Guard is a group activity with the
primary mission of presenting and guarding our national colors. Therefore certain criteria needs to be
adhered to in the interest of reasonable uniformity.
Decorations
other than earned S.A.R., military and hereditary pins, badges and awards are
not to be worn on uniforms.
The headgear
of choice is the black tricorn. The brim
may be lined with white, yellow or black ribbing as appropriate for the
particular uniform. Excess decoration
beyond a cockade and a single unit pin is to be avoided. Other tasteful and historically accurate
headgear, such as brimmed hats, stocking caps, and scarves may be worn with
hunting and minuteman attire.
The shoe of
choice is plain black lace or buckle oxford.
Other tasteful and historically accurate footwear, such as moccasins may
be worn with hunting and minuteman attire.
Black riding boots may optionally be worn with officer’s regimentals.
At the
discretion of the event leader, white cotton gloves may be worn during formal
ceremonies. If gloves are deemed
appropriate, they are to be worn by all formation members. An exception may be made for musketeers if a
salute is to be fired.
Sons of the American Revolution
Weapons Policy
7 July 2003
The 1763/66
French Charleville and 2nd Land Model British Brown Bess, are
considered the “weapon of choice” for color guard events. Other period specific black powder
flintlocks, such as Pennsylvania rifles, may also be appropriate, especially
with frontiersman clothing and hunting frocks.
Pistols are primarily cavalry weapons and should never be used in color
guard events (NSSAR Color Guard Committee, 2000).
Like all
firearms, muskets employed by the color guard are inherently dangerous. They must always be treated as loaded and
potentially deadly. Blank charges
can also cause injuries, especially at close ranges.
As determined
by the event commander, musket firings shall be aimed in a direction which
protects against all possible injury to persons and property.
All guardsmen
who are assigned to fire muskets shall be certified as to their competency by
the INSSAR Color Guard Commander or designated safety officer, based upon the
following criteria: