Aug.
27, 2003
Frank
Abel has been a member of the Wheaton American Legion Post 268 Color Guard
for the last 27 years, an activity he calls "the most patriotic thing
to do." And the 78-year-old Kensington resident plans on continuing
to march and post colors for as long as he can.
"I've
had a rough time the last couple of years," said Abel, a retired
World War II veteran who wears a pacemaker and has had operations for his
eyes, prostate, a hernia and a disintegrated disk in the last 10 years.
"But I wouldn't give up [the color guard] for anything in the
world."
Abel's
attitude is shared by the 10 members of the Post 268 Color
Guard,
one of
only two color guards in Montgomery County. Although Post 268 no longer
enters competitions, the veterans still perform in parades, Legion
meetings and
funerals.
What
a color guard basically does is "add an air of dignity and
elegance" while presenting the American flag, the state flag and
maybe the post's flag at an event, said Vietnam War veteran Richard
Martin.
"Unfortunately
many of our members are Legion members or World War II vets, so we get
asked to a lot of funerals," said Martin, 55, of Wheaton, who has
been marching for five years.
"We
do this to honor the other veterans,"
said Captain of the Color Guard
Mike Waters. "We don't do it for our own glory." Waters, 55,
also served during the Vietnam War and said he is patriotic because he's
"thankful for the country I live in. No one tells me what to
do."
To
Waters, who has been a part of the color guard since 1988, the flag
symbolizes the "American way of life." When Waters, who works as
a school bus driver, passes buildings with the American flag posted
incorrectly, he will walk in and let those in charge know about the
problem. "If you're going to do something, do it right or don't do it
at all," he said.
"When
you march in with a flag, people come to attention and salute," said
Abel, usually the U.S. flag bearer during ceremonies. "That's
something that demands respect and attention." Currently unable to
participate in marches due to a seizure in his right leg, Abel remains
active on the side as a liaison between the color guard and Post 268.
Many
of the members have families to attend to, so they are not able to
practice often, Abel said. But Abel said the group has been together so
long that even though small points may have to be refined, the members
still look good.
"Once
you know what to do, it's like riding a bike," Waters said.
Martin
said that as the country's patriotism has surged due to events like Sept.
11, 2001, people are more likely to respond to seeing a color guard.
"We
represent unity, cohesiveness and freedom. People like seeing that these
days," he said.
The
veterans currently in the color guard are all considered responsible and
reliable, said Post Commander Bob Allen. "That's one of the main
premises of the American Legion, to support the veterans and their
families," Allen said.
Most
of the members of the color guard already work at the post anyway, so
invitations are extended to exemplary members. "I was
flattered," said Martin on being invited to join. "The American
Legion runs on volunteer energy, and this was my way to make a small
contribution."
"It's
something that just makes you feel good, wearing the uniform and trying to
look good when everyone's watching," Abel said.
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