In high school, the color guard team was the most fascinating thing I had ever seen. I constantly wished that I was apart of the flag-line instead of tooting my horn in the stands. They got to wear pretty outfits, not band jackets and suspender pants. They would spin their bright flags while the band was playing the loud music that kept the beat. From the outside, the flag-line was the ultimate dream.
During my junior year, I discovered that I was completely correct. I tried out for flag and made the team! Little did I know, this was the beginning to the most amazing years of my life. Everything that I thought color guard was, ended up being so much more.
During my senior year, I was named captain and it was a real dream come true. I never imagined that I would be apart of this amazing team, much less put as captain. It was a very hard job and I think I cried a couple times but it made me realize just how much I loved being a flag twirler!
I only thought that high school guard was great, college was so much better! Years went by and now I'm just a regular student, wishing my flag days weren't over. Along with choir, color guard is the activity that I miss the most. I have thought of 10 signs that I deal with pretty much all the time that make me remember the glory days of color guard. If you were previously a flag girl, you'll relate!
1. Your toes are forever pointed.
From Jazz running to just general stances, you must always have your toes pointed! "This is not a country hoe-down, point your toes!" This was a famous line for us!
2. Silks and poles have a whole different meaning from what others think.
The most exciting thing is picking out the silks for the year! What size poles do we need for this silk? Definitely a six-footer.
3. "Cheaters" are just not OK.
Every color guard member knows that "cheaters" are for... cheaters.
4. You know a "sail" is never good.
Oh, the sail. You immediately know when your flag has gotten a sail because it goes from five pounds to 55 pounds. OK, I am exaggerating but you get the point.
5. You have twirled a broom around at least once.
You just can't help it. Anything that represents a flag will be fine to twirl around.
6. Electrical tape. Electrical tape. Electrical tape.
I have never used so much electrical tape in my life.
7. You have a love/hate relationship with the word "toss".
Tosses are the best and worst things ever. They look amazing but you better have that catch on point or you could break your nose.
8. You have whacked at least one person with your flag during a show and it was more than likely a trumpet player.
No, you didn't mean to do it but it was still funny.
9. Stands dances. That is all.
We weren't in the stands when we took that picture but we were still dancing and loving life. Also, I still remember every stands dance that we had.
10. Flag will always be a huge part of your life. It is the thing that you miss the most out of anything.
I know I am not alone when I say that flag made a huge impact on my life and it will always be your favorite activity from the past. Nothing could ever take away the memories and fun that you had while on that team.
