Guardsmen (MA)

The Guardsmen drum and bugle corps was formed in 1978 out of a merger between the Crusading Militiamen of Wilmington and the Southern Cross of Melrose.

In their initial season, the corps joined the 1978 Catholic Youth Organization circuit, where they finished in 3^rd position in the “Class B” division and won the 1979 Eastern Massachusetts “Class A-2” title. They also performed in the World Open “Class B” regional, placing 14^th in the 1978 preliminary round and was crowned the 1979 “Class B” champions, marching almost 100 members, a truly magical year for the corps.

In 1980, the Guardsmen moved up to “Open Class” competition, participating in the prelims of Drum Corps East (12^th), DCI East (20^th), American International Open (13^th) & concluded their season with a 29^th place finish in the DCI championships. Over their competitive run, rivals included Arbella of Salem, the Queensmen of Winchester and the Cavalliers of Somerville. 

Over the next two years, the corps remained active as a competitive guard, disbanding in 1983.

Paul Legault (DCX)

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