The Mayflower Guard made its inaugural appearance at the GBOA meeting at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois, on 8 September 2018.  The Guard is the new ceremonial unit commanded by Jim Battles and is the official color guard for the General Society of Mayflower Descendants.  Upon command of the Captain General, Jeff Stark, the Guard marched in military style, posted the colors, and exited the meeting room, officially starting the GBOA meeting.  Upon exiting, the Guard received a thunderous standing ovation.

The Executive Committee, DGGs, AGGs and the general public expressed much enthusiasm, gave high praise for Guard professionalism, and gave many good compliments.  The Governor General, in his public remarks, expressed how impressed he was with the Guard.  I talked with many people and received similar compliments, including a remark from someone that out of the entire Guard, I looked more authentic in my period clothing.

When the colors were retired at the end of the meeting, the Guard received another thunderous standing ovation from all present.  Later that evening, I received emails from Jim Battles and Captain General Jeff Stark expressing how impressed everyone was in the Guard’s performance.  The next appearance of the Guard will be at the 2019 GBOA meeting in Denver, Colorado.

The Mayflower Guard is open to both men and women who are members of the Mayflower Society.  Further questions can be sent to me or Jim Battles.

Mayflower Guard picture taken by Cathy Bambenek on 8 September 2018