Color Guard is a phenomenal opportunity to show our patriot ancestors, recent and current service men and women, and the community that the SAR has value in a uniform.  SAR Color Guardsmen participate in wreath and flag laying ceremonies, grave marking ceremonies, veteran funerals, veteran-partner events, gatherings and parades, and more!

While the SAR typically encourages the standard continental uniform, chapters and state societies have some choices and options at their discretion.  Historically speaking, in regards to the continental uniform, until General Washington put a standard on colors and styles, soldiers typically wore whatever they may have had, including their recent British uniforms.  Once things were standardized around 1779, the white and dark blue uniform we know today became the norm.  Regions typically color coordinated their facings:  blue for the southern colonies, red for the middle colonies, and white for the New England Colonies.  New York and New Jersey specifically had lighter brown facings.

In the 1990's and 2000's, Harris Ferry Chapter adopted a Color Guard uniform modeled after the uniform of Thompson's Battalion, which was a rifleman's frock with white linen pants and a tricorn hat.  The chapter's Color Guard was small but effective.  Since then, it has dwindled to a single member.  For events needing Color Guardsmen, Harris Ferry usually requests others from nearby chapters, and of course returns the favor.  There is no current restriction on the chapter uniform as long as it is 18th century colonial garb.

☆ Medals & Awards

The Youth Color Guard Medal is a Chapter award.  The requirements are that the compatriot must be under the age of 18 years old and participated in at least three Color Guard events at any society level each year for three nonconsecutive years.  The compatriot cannot double count any points used to earn this medal toward any other Color Guard Medal.

The Bronze Color Guard Medal is a State Society award.  A specific set of criteria is required to earn this award for having served at the Chapter or State level Color Guard.  In the Pennsylvania Society, the point system is used, which means the compatriot must have served in Color Guard events for three years nonconsecutively and have earned 300 points.  The compatriot should keep track of his points on the SAR Color Guard Participation Tracker.  Points can be earned for participating in a specific society level event and well as the mileage driven to and from the event.  Society Level Event Points:  5 pts for Chapter event, 10 pts for State event, 20 pts for National event, 20 pts for District event.  Mileage Driven Points:  0 pts for 0-100 miles, 5 pts for 101-200 miles, 10 pts for 201-999 miles, 20 pts for 1000+ miles.

The Silver Color Guard Medal is a State and National Society award and requires the Bronze award to have been earned.  A specific set of criteria is required to earn this award for having served at the State or District level Color Guard.  It is encouraged to reach out to the state and national Color Guard Commanders if you have interest in potentially earning this award.

The Gold Color Guard Medal is a National Society award and requires both the Bronze and Silver awards to have been earned.  A specific set of criteria is required to earn this award for having served at the National level Color Guard.  It is encouraged to reach out to the state and national Color Guard Commanders if you have interest in potentially earning this award.

The Von Steuben Medal is a National Society award and requires both the Bronze and Silver awards to have been earned.  A specific set of criteria is required to earn this award for having served at the National or District level Color Guard.  It is encouraged to reach out to the state and national Color Guard Commanders if you have interest in potentially earning this award.

The Flag of the United States is one of the most patriotic symbols of the country. Proper display and disposal of the flag is something the SAR encourages and recognizes.

Flag Certificates are presented to businesses, local entities, or individuals that properly fly the American flag with pride.  The chapter will attempt to present as many certificates in any given year to those deserving.  One Flag Certificate is the minimum requirement to aid the state society in achieving the Admiral William R. Furlong Memorial Award.

• Middletown Cemetery Association (02 Jul 2025)
• Township of Derry (25 Mar 2025)

Cemetery Flags are presented to Patriots and Veterans buried at cemeteries that Harris Ferry Chapter overseas.  The flags include both the Betsy Ross Flag and United States Flag.  The chapter takes flags to cemeteries for various holidays including Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day.

• Paxton Presbyterian Church Cemetery (Harrisburg, PA) - 44 Patriots
• Hummelstown Cemetery (Hummelstown, PA) - 27 Patriots

Public Service Awards are presented to everyday citizens or public responders for outstanding acts of courage and heroism.  What may seems like a day to day job for some, their strengths and accomplishments are viewed as acts of patriotism by the SAR.

The Heroism Award recognizes outstanding bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of imminent danger – i.e., acts which involve great personal courage and risk to the recipient. It is intended primarily for acts by civilians, not in uniform, but does not exclude police, firemen, EMS and SAR members. It is not intended to recognize acts that would have been covered in the performance of one’s normal duty, nor by medals for valor by the armed forces. Animals are not eligible for recognition. The medal may also be presented posthumously. An individual may receive this medal multiple times. Presentation and the wearing of Oak Leaf Clusters shall follow NSSAR policy.

The Law Enforcement Commendation Award is presented to those who have served with distinction and devotion in the field of law enforcement. The medal is intended to recognize exceptional service or accomplishment in the field of law enforcement. Eligibility is not limited to peace officers but extends to the entire range of persons who make and enforce the law. This includes peace officers, attorneys, judges, prosecutors and legislators who have performed an exceptional act or service beyond that normally expected. The recipients are usually recommended by their superiors or peers for their accomplishments. The award may be presented posthumously. The medal may be presented to an individual only once, and Oak Leaf Clusters or ribbon attachments are not authorized.

The Fire Safety Commendation Award is presented to an individual for accomplishments and/or outstanding contributions in an area of fire safety and service. The award is not limited to firefighters. It may be presented to recognize a variety of fire safety and services that have evolved into a highly technical and skilled profession with constant study, development and involvement by numerous dedicated citizens with a single goal, which is protecting human life and property by preventing injuries or casualties due to fire and chemicals. The medal maybe presented posthumously. The medal may be presented to an individual only once, and Oak Leaf Clusters or ribbon attachments are not authorized.

The Emergency Medical Services Commendation Award is presented to an individual for accomplishments and/or outstanding contributions in the area of emergency medical services. The award is intended for paramedics, certified Emergency Medical Technicians, and others in the emergency medical field who have performed an act or service beyond which is normally expected. The medal may be presented posthumously. The medal may be presented to an individual only once, and Oak Leaf Clusters or ribbon attachments are not authorized.

The SAR Life Saving Award is presented to those individuals who have acted to save a human life without necessarily placing their own life or themselves in imminent danger. The medal is intended primarily for acts by civilians not in uniform, however, police officers, fire fighters, emergency medical personal, lifeguards, and SAR Compatriots are not excluded from receiving this award. The medal is not intended to recognize acts that would otherwise qualify for military or another organization’s valor and, in all cases, the fact that the actions of the rescuer actually saved the life of the victim must be validated by EMS or medical personnel. The medal may also be presented posthumously. An individual may receive this medal multiple times. Presentation and the wearing of Oak Leaf Clusters shall follow NSSAR policy.

United States Veterans are why we are all still here to this day; from the American Revolution to currently deployed men and women, they risk their lives for the safety of America and all its citizens.  The SAR values the service of these brave heroes and has several programs and awards to support veterans and veterans' causes.

Programs

Donations are one way compatriots can contribute to veterans.  Donations in cash, personal care products, new and used media, clothing, or furniture are all factorable when donated to the VA or other veterans' organizations.

Volunteering in activities, Wounded Warrior projects, and funerals for veterans are another way a compatriot can be involved with the activities of veterans.  If the compatriot chooses to wear colonial attire, this shows the true meaning of the SAR spirit.  Visiting and assisting veterans at VA Hospitals is also another way the SAR assists veterans.

Partners in Patriotism are other organizations and groups that are also committed to assisting veterans and veterans’ causes.  Examples of these groups include but are not limited to:  American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wounded Warrior Project, Veterans Administration, and more!  Some specific to Lower Dauphin County include:

American Legion

• • • American Legion Post 1001 (North Harrisburg)
    • American Legion Post 730 (Penbrook)
    • American Legion Post 998 (Lawnton)
    • American Legion Robert H. Hoke Post 272 (Linglestown)
    • American Legion Post 420 (Steelton)
    • American Legion Dominic D. DiFrancesco Memorial Post 594 (Middletown)
    • American Legion Post 265 (Hummelstown)
    • American Legion Post 386 (Hershey)

Veterans of Foreign Wars

• • • Santoni-Dininni Memorial VFW Post 1213 (Rutherford)
    • Lower Paxton Memorial VFW Post 148 (Lower Paxton)
    • East Harrisburg VFW Post 1718 (Penbrook)
    • Highspire Memorial VFW Post 8638 (Highspire)
    • Middletown Memorial VFW Post 1620 (Middletown)
    • Hershey Memorial VFW Post 3502 (Hershey)
    • Eshleman-Pankake-Wolf Post 9639 (Grantville)

Recognition

Veteran Recognition in the SAR is a token of the society's appreciation for those compatriots that have served in either any war or in the military.  To be rewarded with either the War Service Medal or the Military Service Medal, the compatriot should fill out the Compatriots Military Service Record Form and return it to the chapter Veteran's Committee Chairman.

War Service Medal - A Compatriot may be awarded this medal for having served in the military against a common enemy during the time of his service.  Proof of service (copy of the member’s discharge), must be presented and show that the Compatriot:  1) served/is serving, honorably in:  the U.S. Armed Forced; a U.S.-allied country's military forces; or, a United Nations Peace Keeping Force.  2) served against a common enemy in a war or action recognized by a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces; 3) received a campaign medal, combat ribbon or badge as shown on the DD-214 form (or equivalent). Note: The National Defense Service Medal is not considered a campaign medal for purposes of qualifying for the War Service Medal.  Bronze Service Bars, Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Purple Heart Pin are authorized on the full-sized medal.  Compatriots can be awarded the War Service Medal and Military Service Medal, but should only wear the War Service Medal.

Military Service Medal - A Compatriot may be awarded this medal for having served in the military.  Proof of service (copy of the member’s discharge), must be presented and show that the Compatriot served, or is serving, honorably in:  the armed forces of the United States; the military forces of a country allied with the United States; or, a United Nations Peace Keeping Force.  The Purple Heart Pin are authorized for wear on the full-sized medal.

Compatriot Recognition in the SAR comes in two forms:  the Service to Veterans Medal, which is presented to individual compatriots, and the USS Stark Memorial Award, which is presented to chapters and state societies each based on their membership size.  It will be up to the compatriot and the chapter to both track their respective earned Stark points on the USS Stark Memorial Award Scoresheet.

Service to Veterans Medal - A Compatriot may be awarded this medal for long and exemplary service to veterans.  The compatriot must earn 5000 USS Stark Award points.  A Compatriot may receive this medal multiple times:  a Bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded for each multiple of 3,000 points earned after the first award. Presentation and wear of oak leaf clusters shall follow NSSAR policy.

General William C. Westmoreland Medal - This award is presented to the SAR member who has the most outstanding record of service in the following areas: the number of hours volunteered for serving Veterans; service on Veterans committees at the chapter, state and national levels; miles driven to help Veterans; the value of items and cash contributions made to Veterans Services; association with other organizations that work with Veterans; and sponsorship of Veteran events at SAR events. It is presented to only one person per year as selected by the Veterans Committee.  Nominations for this award may be submitted by a chapter or state society no later than January 15 via the General William C. Westmoreland Award Nomination Form.

USS Stark Memorial Award - It is the responsibility of the chapter to participate in Veterans programs and submit to the state Veterans Committee Chairmen a USS Stark Memorial Scoresheet.  The chapter awards are presented based on the following membership sizes:  10 to 49, 50 to 99, 100 to 199, and 200 or more.  The state awards are presented based on the following membership sizes:  10 to 199, 200 to 499, 500 to 999, 1,000 or more.