While attending a 4^th of July musical presentation at Sand Point Park in Titusville, FL, in 2001, 1^st Sgt. George Hoggard was extremely upset there was no color guard to present the colors at the beginning of the ceremony.  The musical presentation was patriotic with no flag present.  After mentioning this to Gary Cassell, the two of them put their heads together and came up with the American Veteran’s Color Guard.  This came about after Gary saw a picture in an old book, which showed all the different uniforms Americans had worn throughout the years.  Thus, the American Veteran’s Color Guard was born and was presented by the Sons of the Confederate Veterans, Camp 1387, Melbourne FL.

 The Color Guard was presented for the first time at the St. Augustine Easter Parade in March 2002.  Not all of the Wars were represented, at that time, because the AVCG wanted to make sure the public’s reaction would be of a positive note.  POSITIVE it was!!  The group was well received, not only by the public, but by the judging committee as well.  The group took the Queen’s Trophy.  This trophy, in the past 37 years had always gone to the Queen’s Float. 

 The Color Guard is represented by the following categories:  Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War, Spanish/American War, Confederate Army, Federal Army, Federal Marine, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and Desert Storm/Iraq Freedom.

 The AVCG has participated in numerous parades and activities, in and around Florida, and Charleston, SC.  They have been spot-lighted in the Vietnam Veterans Massing of the Colors, BCC Massing of the Colors, St. Augustine Easter Parade, Cocoa and Melbourne Memorial Day Ceremonies, Space Coast Stadium Anniversary Ceremony, Veteran’s Day Dedication and Parades, Orlando Christmas Parade, Hunley Burial in Charleston, SC.

For information or to schedule an event, please send an e-mail to Gary Cassell.