About Us
We participate in parades, commemorations, church services, and concerts. The Color Guard over the years has won many awards for its performances. We are now recruiting Color Guard members from among our Chapter members and applicants, and all SAR members are welcome to join us. If you meet these criteria, please use this website’s “Contact Us” page to let us know that you are interested in participating and we will be in touch.
The life of a Continental Marine
During the American War of Independence, many soldiers, sailors, marines and civilians kept journals of their experiences, and we are lucky to have many of these writings survive to the present.
One of these is a journal written by Lt. William Jennison of Milford, Massachusetts. His journal details his time as a Lieutenant in the Continental Marines. As our Chapter Color Guard uses the Continental Marine uniform, this journal may be of added interest.
William Jennison started his military career as a member of the militia that marched to Cambridge in April, 1775. He served in the 13th Massachusetts regiment before being appointed as a Lieutenant in the Marines. Having resigned his appointment to re-enter the Army, he was again re-appointed to the Marines and served until 1780.
https://archive.org/details/jstor-20083410/mode/2up
Recent Color Guard Activities
May 2026 Our Color Guard was very busy in the month of May – the following is a synopsis of the many events they supported.
May 6th – DAR Student Award Ceremony, Costa Mesa, CA
A combined color guard presented colors for the Annual Colonel William Cabell Shapter of the DAR Student Award Ceremony at the Norma Hertzog Center. Kevin Forrest & Scott Whitman participated.
May 9th – Adobe Rancho Dominguez – Plaque Dedication – General Galvez & Battle of Pensacola A combined Color Guard and Musket Team provided a color presentation and Musket Volley at the dedication of a Plaque in honor of General Bernado Galvez and the Battle of Pensacola. Kevin Forrest attended and commanded the firing team.
May 16th – Armed Forces Day Parade, Torrance, CA
Color Guard members from Harbor, Orange County, South Coast and San Diego took part in the annual Armed Forces Day Parade. In addition to SAR members, multiple DAR Chapters and CAR Societies were represented. The combined Musket team fired at multiple intersections along the parade route, Kevin Forrest & Scott Whitman participated.
May 20th – Exchange Club, Laguna Hills, CA
Members of the Orange County and South Coast chapter presented colors for the Exchange club in Laguna Hills. Kevin Forrest & Scott Whitman participated.
May 21st – Fields of Honor – Newport Beach, CA
Members of the Orange County and South Coast chapter color guards took part in the Annual Fields of Honor ceremony at Castaway Park in Newport Beach. The event included the color presentation as well as music by schools in the area. Kevin Forrest, Bob Maples & Jim Hernandez participated.
May 21st – City of Huntington Beach America 250 Banner Unveiling – Huntington Beach Pier In honor of the 250th celebration of America, the city of Huntington Beach unveiled a city Logo Banner at the Huntington Beach pier. The event included a musket volley by members of the Harbor, Orange County & South Coast chapters, with Kevin Forrest commanding. In addition to the musket volley and a cannon firing there speeches by Brandon Villardi (Harbor) and “General Galvez”.
May 25th – Memorial Day – El Toro Memorial Park, Lake Forest, CA
The South Coast Chapter Color Guard took part in the annual Memorial Day event at the El Toro Memorial Park cemetery. The full contingent of the South Coast Chapter, Kevin Forrest, Nolan Forrest, Bob Maples, Scott Whitman, Shane Gates and Jim Hernandez, took part along with CAR member Kate Forrest.
May 25th – Fleet Week Closing Ceremony; USS Iowa, San Pedro, CA
To close out LA Fleet week, the SAR provided a a color guard for the closing ceremony. The event included midshipmen from the USS Essex. Kevin Forrest commanded the color guard.
As a reminder, all Chapter members are welcome to attend our Color Guard events, and potentially earn America 250 points as well as other SAR medals for event participation.
Photos of the various Color Guard events in May are included below
Color Guard Activities – JROTC/ROTC Awards
Our South Coast Chapter proudly recognizes outstanding High School Junior ROTC students, College ROTC students, as well as Sea Cadets by awarding JROTC/ROTC awards. The partnership between the SAR and ROTC programs has a long history. The formation of the ROTC dates back to Captain Alden Partridge, considered the founder of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program in the United States. Captain Partridge founded the ROTC because his father, Samuel Partridge, a soldier of the Revolution, had concerns that the newly founded United States lacked a development program for qualified military officers. Today the partnership continues as a way to recognize Cadets that exemplify the principles of the “Citizen Soldier” of our founding fathers and those that worked and fought to found this nation.
On May 8, Compatriot Jim Hernandez awarded Cadet Ronan Kalkan from Cal State Fullerton ROTC with a SAR Bronze ROTC award.
On May 28, Jim awarded Cadet Logan Rumerman and Cadet Skylar Swanke-Ford of San Clemente High School JROTC with SAR Bronze JROTC awards.
April 24-26 – CASSAR Annual MeetingThe California Color Guard provided the Color presentation for the opening and closing ceremonies of the CASSAR Annual Meeting in Visalia, and also provided the on-field Color Presentation for the American Anthem during the Fresno Grizzlies Baseball Game. In addition, the Flags of the attending Chapters were posted during the meeting; see our flag 3rd from the left below.
March 21, 2026 – San Juan Capistrano Swallows Day Parade
On Saturday March 21st, CASSAR Color Guard members took part in the 66th Annual Swallows Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano. The annual parade celebrates the return of the swallows to the Mission in San Juan Capistrano. In addition to celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, this is also the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Mission at San Juan Capistrano, and the SAR, along with the CSSDAR had the honor of being the Finale to the Parade. In recognition of the 5 Spanish Patriots buried at the Mission, the Color Guard included the Cross of Burgundy in the colors.
March 7 – 8, 2026 – Huntington Beach Revolution
Members of the South Coast, Harbor, Orange County, Gen. George Patton and Sons of Liberty Chapters took part in the Huntington Beach Historical Society’s annual Revolutionary Weekend. This event is includes living history re-enactors, shops, camps and and battles. Members of the Southern California SAR color guard participate to further the SAR goal of educating the public on the founding of the country.
March 7, 2026 – California State DAR Meeting
At the Annual California State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Celebration Dinner, members of the CASSAR Color Guard presented colors to open the event. L to R below: Kevin Forrest (South Coast); Kevin Knapp (Sacramento); Brandon Villardi (Harbor) Bruce Wearda (Kern); John Szychulda (Gen. George Washington); Norman Kelsey (Sons of Liberty; Martin Juarez (SoL).
After the winter holiday break, the Color Guard has begun the start to a busy 2026. With the 250th Anniversary of the country, there is an expected increase in Color Guard activi
The calendar of events started on Sunday February 15th with the Annual Massing of the Colors at Forest Lawn in Hollywood Hills. The event is hosted by the Sons of Liberty Chapter and draws Color Guard units from ROTC, JROTC and Lineage Societies.
As with past years, the California SAR provided a combined color guard made up of members from multiple Chapters across the state. South Coast members Nolan Forrest, Scott Whitman and Kevin Forrest took part in the event. Additionally, this year the Color Guard provided a Musket Team to provide a 3-round volley as part of the ceremony. South Coast members Nolan & Kevin Forrest took part in the musket firing.
Following the Massing of the Colors, the San Diego Chapter hosted their annual George Washington Dinner Celebration on Saturday February 21st, at the Green Dragon in Carlsbad. As with past years, the event started with a Musket Team 3-round volley as well as the Color Presentation. South Coast members Nolan & Kevin Forrest took part in the event. This year “General Washington” was in attendance to oversee the festivities.
Hollywood Christmas Parade
Members of our South Coast Chapter Color Guard joined other CSSAR Color Guard members to march with the Army Rangers Association in the 93rd Hollywood Christmas Parade on November 30th, 2025. It is estimated that about 1 million people lined the parade route, with another 10 million watching on TV. South Coast Chapter Color Guard participants included Kevin Forrest, Nolan Forrest, Kate Forrest, and Jim Hernandez.
Wreaths Across America Wreath Laying Event at El Toro Memorial Park
As part of the National Wreaths Across America celebration on Saturday December 13, 2025, the South Coast Chapter was one of many sponsors of the wreath laying ceremony at El Toro Memorial Park located in Lake Forest CA. Hundreds of volunteers were present including Mayor of Lake Forest Scott Voigts. Members of South Coast Chapter’s Color Guard (Kevin & Nolan Forrest, Scott Whitman) opened the ceremony with the presentation of colors. Also in attendance were Chapter President Barry Michaels with wife Denise, Second VP Norman Broadhurst with wife Victoria, along with WAA Chapter Chairman Jeff Vrooman. Many thanks to all the South Coast members who sponsored wreaths for this event. It was wonderful to see so many volunteers and members of the community present to help honor the Military Veterans buried at El Toro Memorial Park.
Armed Services Day Parade
South Coast chapter Color Guard members participated in a joint Color Guard event, including a live musket firing, at the annual Armed Services Day parade in Torrance on May 17, 2025. In addition to Color Guardsmen from the South Coast Chapter, Color Guardsmen from the Harbor, Orange County, Riverside and Kern chapters, members of several DAR chapters and CAR societies took part in the event.
Memorial Day – El Toro Memorial Park
On Monday May 26, 2025, the Color Guard presented colors as part of the Memorial Day program at El Toro Memorial Park.
Huntington Beach Historical Society Revolutionary War weekend
On February 8 & 9, 2025, members of the South Coast, Harbor and Orange County SAR Chapters were joined by DAR and CAR members at the annual Huntington Beach Historical Society Revolutionary War Weekend event. In addition to reenacting events from the Revolutionary War, attendees displayed scenes of typical 18th century life, helping the public gain a deeper understanding of American Revolution history.
Wreaths Across America wreath laying at El Toro
On December 14, 2024, the South Coast Chapter Color Guard took part in the Annual Wreaths Across America ceremony. As in past years, the event took place at the El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest. The Color Guard presented colors for the ceremony, then led a procession of the attending veterans to the Military Memorial.
South Coast Color Guardsmen in attendance were Nolan Forrest, Kevin Forrest, Shane Gates, Jim Hernandez, and Scott Whitman.
Presenting the Colors – Combined Color Guard Event
On June 26th, a combined California Society Color Guard presented colors for the Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 6-2, at the Huntington Beach Yacht Club. The Combined Color Guard consisted of members from the South Coast (SC), Harbor (H) and Orange County (OC) Chapters took part in the presentation in front of a very receptive gathering.
Memorial Day 2024
On Monday May 27th, the South Coast Chapter Color Guard presented the colors at the El Toro Memorial Park as part of their annual Memorial Day Event.
Color Guardsmen (L/R) Nolan Forrest, Scott Whitman, Jim Hernandez & Kevin Forrest took part in the event honoring those that gave all for the country.
The event included Wreath presentations from the surrounding cities, keynote speeches, Bagpipes and a VFW Firing Party.
Armed Forces Day Parade 2024
South Coast Color Guard Members Jim Hernandez, Nolan Forrest, and Kevin Forrest, as well as CAR Member Kate Forrest joined a combined SAR, DAR & CAR group at the 62nd annual Armed Forces Day Parade in Torrance on Saturday, May 18th.
Armed Forces Day is held on the third Saturday of May each year and celebrates all six branches of the United States Military under the U.S. Department of Defense. Torrance is one of the few cities nationwide sanctioned by the Department of Defense to honor our Armed Forces through an annual Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration. The three-day celebration includes a military exhibit, military concert, special flyover surprises, 5K For Freedom, and the highly anticipated parade along Torrance Boulevard.
South Coast color guardsmen Nolan & Kevin Forrest joined Harbor Chapter members in the Musket Firing squad leading the group. Please see event photos below:
U.S. Navy Retirement Ceremony Aboard the USS Iowa, May 2024
Field of Honor in Newport Beach, 2024
On Thursday May 23rd the South Coast Chapter Color Guard joined the Orange County Color Guard to present the colors at the 15th Annual Field of Honor at Castaway Park in Newport Beach.Each year the Exchange Club of Newport Beach places 1776 flags in Castaways Park to honor the men and women who have served this country. Starting on Armed Forces Day, the Field of Honor will display the red, white, and blue along the park’s walkways, which overlook Newport Harbor. Yellow ribbons list those honored. Some ribbons have names put there by loved ones; others say “In Honor of Those Who Served.”
View photos from past Color Guard events
About the Continental Marine Color Guard Uniform
The Continental Marine Color Guard started with Jim Emerson’s vision. He had seen a handsome Revolutionary militia officer’s uniform made by a compatriot’s wife. She had used a Simplicity pattern issued in 1976 for the Bicentennial. Rather than outfitting a color guard in commercially available costumes he envisioned creating an historically accurate uniform. Since Jim was a former Marine his choice fell on that branch of service. He ordered special woolen cloth from Scotland. Pewter buttons, canteens, hats and other accouterments came from the East Coast. And so, in 1992 and 1993, the Chapter Clothier General was busily employed in manufacturing the great coats and breeches. She had to develop her own patterns for the different sizes involved. Others helped in the tedious job of sewing on buttons (with dental floss) and making vests.
Jim recruited active duty Marines to fill the uniforms. The color guard first appeared at the Fall Board of Manager’s meeting November 1993 in Costa Mesa. We next participated at the Massing of the Colors in February 1994. Then, accompanied by an extra-ordinary fife and drum corps of about 15 musicians, we took the First Place trophy in our category at the Huntington Beach Parade. Since then we have been busy participating in numerous patriotic and commemorative events.
A color guard without music is like a silent movie – something to look at but hardly exciting. We add the resonant sound of the rope tension drums and the shrill sound of the fifes to produce a moving experience.
Color Guard Traditions
Before the 20th century, military colors were carried covered except for ceremonies or when in sight of the enemy. A unit’s colors provided battlefield recognition for both friend and foe. These were always the soul and reputation of the unit. Each regiment had two flags: the national color and a regimental flag. To ensure that the men knew the flag of their own regiment the two flags were paraded before them during reviews and other ceremonies. From this practice developed our modern color guard.
Following British custom, American infantry first had a junior officer (called an Ensign) to carry and guard the regimental colors. Since each company had an Ensign and there were eight companies, the ensigns had to take turns guarding the flags. Later, the color guards were selected from among the strongest and bravest soldiers. So the task was performed by enlisted men instead of officers. They wore the same uniform as other troops.