The Guardsmen was a junior Drum & Bugle Corps located in Schaumburg, Illinois, established in 1961. The corps participated actively in Drum Corps International (DCI), achieving its highest placement of seventh in the Finals competition in 1979. The Guardsmen continued to compete until 1994 and notably made the largest leap in standings from one year to the next, moving from 31st to 12th place between 1975 and 1976.

The Guardsmen gained significant visibility in the drum corps community, largely due to their appearance in a 1975 television commercial for Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). The ad featured a family enjoying a picnic while a drum corps marched across a grassy area, showcasing a style of sideways marching and the use of a piccolo, which some viewers encountered for the first time. Originally, another corps was slated for the commercial, but the Guardsmen secured the opportunity due to their KFC-matching colors of orange, black, and white. The distinctive high shakos for which the Guardsmen later became known were not introduced until 1977 or 1978.

The Beginnings Founded by a local VFW post in Mt. Prospect, Illinois, the Guardsmen aimed to provide a youth activity that fostered music, good citizenship, and moral character. They engaged in local civic activities, including parades and fundraising events, and began competing in local contests throughout the Midwest during the 1960s, occasionally participating in VFW competitions.

A British Influence In the early 1970s, the Guardsmen adopted a British theme that was reflected in their musical selections. The corps first performed "Rule Britannia" in 1972, which quickly became a signature warm-up piece. In 1973, they introduced the theme music from the television show "Masterpiece Theater," reinforcing their British identity. By 1974, "Rule Britannia" was featured again in their field show, accompanied by "Procession of the Nobles," much to the delight of audiences.

A Tragic Loss The winter of 1975-1976 marked a poignant moment for the corps when Denise Tomaszewski, a beloved color guard member, passed away from cancer. Her death shocked the corps, and they honored her memory by dedicating the 1976 season to her. Members stood vigil during her wake, and she was buried in her uniform, with the corps playing softly in the background, gathering for prayer and remembrance before each competition.

Cinderella Corps of 1976 After finishing no higher than 31st in previous DCI prelims, the Guardsmen achieved a remarkable 12th place at the 1976 DCI Finals in Philadelphia, prompting local media to herald them as the 12th best corps in the nation. In 1975, they had placed 31st, competing among 232 corps in the preliminary trials. Their performance was broadcast on PBS, introducing them to millions who witnessed their show alongside the leading drum corps of the time.

In 1976, the corps was approached by the Leo Burnett Advertising Agency to feature in a KFC commercial, chosen for their orange uniforms that matched the brand's color scheme. The Guardsmen spent two days filming in Barrington Hills, Illinois, running drill sets under the sun, with Colonel Sanders himself signing one of their bass drums after filming concluded. The commercials aired in various time slots, and many corps members used their earnings to cover dues that season.

Excelling in Winter Guard The Guardsmen thrived in the competitive winter guard circuit, transferring their British marching style to indoor performances. They quickly became a formidable presence in the WGI Midwest circuit, with "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and the "Olympic Theme" becoming closely associated with their performances.

The Little Brits The corps also established a feeder program, the Guardsmen Cadets, who competed in the local Midwest circuit alongside other junior corps. As the senior corps enjoyed success from 1976 to 1979, so too did their younger counterparts, which included the development of a winter guard from the cadet corps.

Ongoing Success at DCI Following their breakthrough in 1976, the Guardsmen did not qualify for the 1977 DCI Finals, finishing 16th in prelims. However, they returned to the competition in 1978, reaffirming their British theme with a new uniform design. They improved their standing, placing 11th that year, and introduced their now-iconic extra-tall shakos, replacing the previous white helmets.

In 1979, the Guardsmen reached the pinnacle of their competitive success, securing seventh place at the DCI Finals with performances of "Tiger of San Pedro" and "Greensleeves." They returned to 12th place in 1980, but subsequent years saw a decline, with placements of 15th in 1981 and 32nd in 1982.

Financial Challenges Ultimately, the Guardsmen faced financial difficulties that hindered their ability to maintain competitiveness, leading to their final season in 1990. Although the cadet corps had a brief resurgence from 1992 to 1994, it eventually disbanded as well.

The legacy of the Guardsmen endures, with cherished memories of friendships and experiences shared among those who wore the orange and black uniforms. The strains of "Hail Britannia" evoke fond recollections, reminding all who participated of their time as part of this storied corps.