Newport Harbor Post 291 at the 104th American Legion National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. (Photo: The American Legion)

On Friday, August 25, Newport Harbor Post 291 emerged as the champions in the National Color Guard Contest during the 104th American Legion National Convention.

The convention, which began on August 24 and ends on August 31, holds the distinction of being the American Legion’s largest annual meeting.

In this year’s competition, which took place at the Charlotte Convention Center, four color guard units participated, showcasing their skills and precision. Additionally, a new category was introduced, allowing three NJROTC units from high schools in North Carolina to join the contest.

During the awards ceremony, Past National Commander Bill Oxford stood in for National Commander Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola. Addressing the participants, Oxford stated, “There are no losers – you’re all winners.”

The contest featured multiple categories, including Advancing and Retiring Colors, Military, Military Open, and NJROTC Open, each showcasing the precision and dedication of participating units.

Newport Harbor Post 291, previously recognized as the national champion, retained its reputation by securing a victory in the Military category. This victory grants them the privilege of serving as the national commander’s color guard at the 105th National Convention scheduled for 2024 in New Orleans.

If you missed the 2023 Color Guard Competition from the 104th American Legion National Convention in Charlotte N.C., you can watch the full video here.

Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.