"The Magnificent Seven", Florida State Color Guard (Photo: Robin Preston)
In 1989, President General James R. Westlake established the National Color Guard Committee within the Sons of the American Revolution to advance its historical, patriotic, and educational goals.
During the American Revolution, color guards served as elite protectors of regimental flags, known as "the Colors," which acted as rallying points in battle. These small units of the most valiant soldiers safeguarded flag bearers from enemy capture, ensuring troops could regroup amid chaos, as flags symbolized unit identity and national honor.
Regiments carried dual flags — a national color (Union standard) and a regimental color — requiring dedicated guards for protection during marches and combat. Success often hinged on these guards, who faced high risks; losing the colors meant disgrace. General Washington standardized uniforms and procedures in 1782, influencing later replicas.
The Florida Society adopted the Sons of Liberty Brigade in 1996, with Charles S. Wingate as its first commander, to bring the national committee’s objectives to local levels through consistent regulations and greater visibility. Brigade members — known as Guardsmen — consist of compatriots who dress as Continental Soldiers, Militiamen, or Revolutionary-era clergymen for meetings and public events. They serve as a key asset for public relations in the Florida Society, emphasizing historical accuracy and professional conduct to support these core objectives.
Today's Sons of Liberty Brigade recreates these Revolutionary War units, donning period uniforms like blue coats with red facings, cocked hats, and muskets such as Brown Bess replicas. The Brigade present flags at parades, memorials, and events to educate on patriotic history Guardsmen appear at multi-chapter observances, events of the Florida Society or National Society, and select state or national gatherings hosted by allied groups like the Daughters of the American Revolution or Children of the American Revolution. Participation follows guidance from the state color guard commander or the official in charge.
Color Guard Events
The Sons of Liberty Brigade proudly upholds the organization's missions through uniformed participation at key events. Below is a curated list of significant events where the Brigade makes its presence, as directed by the state Color Guard commander or the official handbook.
National Color Guard Events in Florida
- Last Naval Battle of the American Revolution – Merritt Island, FL
- Patriots Day – Any Event
- The Battle of Thomas Creek – Jacksonville, FL
- Siege of Pensacola – Pensacola, FL
- Armed Forces Day – Any Event
- Memorial Day – Any Event
- The Battle of Alligator Creek Bridge – Callahan, FL
- Independence Day Parade – Any Event
- Veterans Day Parade – Any Event
- Wreaths Across America – Any Sponsored Event.
- Fields of Honor / Healing Field
- Honor Flight
- Liberty Tree Planting / Dedication
- Events where the President General is in attendance
- Events designated by the Vice President General
Florida Society Events
- Battle of Nassau – Pompano Beach, FL
- Florida Society Board of Management Meetings
- Annual Meeting of the Florida SAR
- State Rumbaugh Oration Contest
- DAR Fall Forum
- DAR Annual State Conference
- CAR Annual Conference
- CAR Regional Conference – when held in Florida
- Grand Parade at Edison Festival of Light
- Flag Day Ceremony*
- Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony*
- Constitution Week Event*
- Events at which the current State President is an integral part
* Only if multiple chapters of the Florida Society are invited.
Color Guard Commanders
The Sons of Liberty Brigade depends on dedicated Color Guard Commanders to guide its uniformed members in advancing the Florida Society's historical, patriotic, and educational goals. These leaders manage Brigade operations and ensure attire — such as Continental Soldiers, Militiamen, or Revolutionary-era clergymen — remains historically accurate at events. They enforce professional conduct and precision, thereby boosting the Society's visibility and mission impact.
| Name | Chapter | Term |
|---|---|---|
| *Charles S. Wingate | Jacksonville | 1996-1997 |
| *R.L. "Bud" Bauchspies Jr | Jacksonville | 1997-2005 |
| *COL. Edward Young | Pensacola | 2005-2010 |
| Phillip H. Tarpley | Saramana | 2010-2012 |
| *Charles T. Sweeney | Saramana | 2012-2013 |
| Steven A. Williams | Brevard | 2013-2014 |
| Rev. Randy D. Moody | Caloosa | 2014-2015 |
| *Charles L. Day | Withlacoochee | 2015-2017 |
| H. Hall Riediger | St. Lucie River | 2017-2019 |
| W. Richard Young | Tampa | 2019-2021 |
| Steven R. Fields | Saramana | 2021-2023 |
| M. Scott Breckenridge | Jacksonville | 2023-2025 |
* Deceased
Color Guard Units
Units of the Color Guard within local chapters play a vital role in bringing the mission of the Sons of the American Revolution to life at the community level. Each unit is comprised of chapter members who appear in historically inspired attire and represent the organization at public events. Chapter units educate the public about the legacy of the American Revolution.
- George Washington Camp # 1, Jacksonville Chapter
- Francis Marion Camp #2, Ocala Chapter
- Commodore Barry Camp #3, Brevard Chapter
- Samuel Adams Camp #4, Clearwater Chapter
- Yorktown Camp #5, St. Lucie River Chapter
- Marquis de Lafayette Camp #6, Gainesville Chapter
- Nathan Hale Camp #7, Pensacola Chapter
- Nathaniel Green Camp #8, Saramana Chapter
- Thomas Paine Camp #9, Miami Chapter
- Daniel Morgan Camp #10, Central Florida Chapter
- Thomas Jefferson Camp #11, Withlacoochee Chapter
- General Thomas Sumter Camp #12, Lake Sumter Chapter
- Bernardo de Galvez Camp #13, Naples Chapter
- Hillsborough River Camp #14, Tampa Chapter
- General Lighthorse Harry Lee Camp #15, Caloosa Chapter
- Gabriel Long Camp #16, St. Petersburg Chapter
- Lake City Chapter Outpost #17, Lake City Chapter
- Chapter Outpost #18, Lakeland Chapter
- USS Alliance Camp #19, Charlotte Chapter
- William Dunaway Chapter Outpost #20, William Dunaway Chapter
- Panama City Chapter Outpost #21, Panama City Chapter
- Highlands Chapter Outpost #22, Highlands Chapter
- Samuel Nicholas Camp #23, Ft Lauderdale Chapter
- Swamp Fox Camp #24, Okeechobee Chapter
- John Parker Camp #25, Daytona-Ormond Chapter