By Army ROTC Cadet Tori Vinson
Army ROTC Color Guard
Saturdays are for the Gamecocks, and none shine brighter before the game than our Color Guard! Carrying the colors of our state and nation, the Color Guard stands tall in front of a stadium of over 80,000 people. They represent the University of South Carolina, the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and—above all—the United States of America. The Color Guard is an instrumental part in opening up anything from sporting events to award ceremonies, and much more. It is a long-held tradition that honors not just the nation, but those who have gone before to serve it. However, it is not a new tradition.
Color Guards were originally used to march soldiers into battle. Formations were crucial to try and maintain what little order could be found, and amidst the disorder of a battle, it was important to have a way to locate one’s regiment. Eventually, with the adaptation of warfare to suit the technology being developed, regimental colors are no longer required in battle, and instead are used in ceremony, such as the guide-on representing companies in formations. A Color Guard, however, will always be a staple of ceremony to represent the tradition of military and of service.
The Gamecock Battalion is proud to participate in Color Guard at events around the
University of South Carolina. The colors are carried by members of the Color Guard
at basketball, volleyball, and football games, among other events. All levels of experience
are welcomed and will be trained in the maneuvers and rendering honors.
It feels much different on the actual field compared the practice field. I wasn’t nervous, I was more excited. Nothing was going through my head other than making sure I’m focusing on the commands given by the Color Guard Commander. And after walking out, I felt proud. I felt proud representing our ROTC Unit and the Army. Bearing the flag in front of so many people is an honor in my opinion.
Cadet Felicity Allen
Freshman cadet Felicity Allen had the privilege of carrying the Army’s colors at the
USC Homecoming Game against the University of Tennessee on 27 October 2018. When asked
to recount the experience, she said, "It feels much different on the actual field
compared the practice field. I wasn’t nervous, I was more excited. Nothing was going
through my head other than making sure I’m focusing on the commands given by the Color
Guard Commander. And after walking out, I felt proud. I felt proud representing our
ROTC Unit and the Army. Bearing the flag in front of so many people is an honor in
my opinion."
The Gamecock Battalion is proud to have the opportunity to represent the Army and the United States. It plays a vital role in commemorating the history of the military and honoring soldiers past and present. Closer to home, Cadet Allen said it best when she called bearing the flag an honor. The Gamecocks are proud to serve, and the Color Guard is proud to represent the Battalion’s best!