Fellow Marines, I have been wearing USCM armor since 1999, however, I have not really contributed to AL as much as I'd like. For years now, I have become rather comfortable allowing more motivated members take up the slack and go the extra mile to make us look good and keep the group organized. For this, I am extremely grateful to those who make this possible (and you all know who you are!). Ok, having said that, I wish to try to redeem myself in some way that would help the entire AL. The reason? Call it guilt, duty, or just a new found appreciation for this awesome group.
During the past few years AL has become prominent figure at the DragonCon parade. Every year we are given the honor of leading the parade and this is something I hope we can build on. It takes a lot of work to keep this going, especially the Color Guard. I applaud the efforts of the members who keep this honored tradition alive, and I wish to offer my services. Organizing the Color Guard is difficult, especially if you don’t have what you need. The past con, some unfortunate members were scrambling for Color Guard equipment (poles, flags, etc). I want to prevent this from ever happening again.
Ok, here is my contribution, I have taken the initiative and purchased Color Guard equipment. They are as follows:
1- Nylon US Flag 4x6 (larger than the other flags!)
1- 9ft. pole for US Flag (higher than the others!)
1- White pole sling for US Flag carrier (this will look sharp and help with the weight!)
5- 7ft. poles for other flags. (including acorn pole toppers)
6 sets of pole rings (swivel clips like they should be!)
Several pairs of spare white parade gloves (every member of Color Guard should wear them!)
1- Carry case (This will hold all items above as our official 'Color Guard Kit'.)
If there are no objections, the Color Guard formation with be led by a higher and larger US flag, followed by 5 or more addition flags (USCM & allied countries). Best of all, ALL the poles will match in style and size. Flags will also be mounted to the poles with swivel clips. The Color Guard kit can now be kept in the care of a member who is close to Atlanta and/or drives there. Unfortunately, I fly to D-con every year and can’t travel with the kit. Its rather long and bulky so I call on a volunteer in serve as Quartermaster of the kit. After each parade, the equipment is accounted for and placed back in the carry case, then turned back over to the Quartermaster. Therefore, every year after that, we will NEVER again be caught unprepared. This stuff should last us for many DragonCons to follow.
We have the honor of leading this parade every year. The appearance of our Color Guard should be taken seriously. If anything should look sharp in this entire parade, IT SHOULD BE THIS!
Now, the fine print. I was happy to dig into my own pocket to do this (spending over $260). However, if anyone wishes to help offset the costs, I would gladly accept. I guess PayPal would be best. Any amount would be greatly appreciated (5 or 10 bucks or pounds, whatever you wish to contribute). Mind you, I have made this purchase assuming I would pay for the whole thing myself and have NO PROBLEM with that. Again, I have neglected the AL for years and want to rectify that. So if I receive no payments, I have no hard feelings! Lord knows, you guys have done enough!! (Rex, Kev and Dom to name a few).
Oh, in closing, we still need an eagle topper for the US flag pole. Its for a 1” diameter pole. Perhaps together we can come up with one.
Long live the USCM!
(please see pics)
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