An honor guard, or ceremonial guard, is a ceremonial unit, usually military in nature and composed of volunteers who are carefully screened for their physical ability and dexterity. Only those persons who are highly motivated and maintain exceptionally high standards of appearance and conduct and show aptitude for ceremonial duty are likely to be considered.
A primary role for honor guards in the United States and some other countries is to provide funeral honors for fallen comrades and to guard national monuments. An honor guard may also serve as the "guardians of the colors" by displaying and escorting the national flag on ceremonial occasions at official state functions. Finally, honor guards usually provide detachments for review by visiting heads of state. Honor guards also serve in the civilian world for fallen police officers and other civil servants. Persons serving in this capacity may or may not be designated, meaning they may not be assigned to serve each and every time there is a funeral in their jurisdiction.
In the U.S., military honor guards may serve as ambassadors to the public, presenting a positive image of their service, and assisting with the recruiting effort.
Other articles related to "honor guard":
... The motorcade bearing the remains was met at the White House gate by a Marine honor guard, which escorted it to the North Portico, where it was borne to the ... An honor guard and two priests stood vigil over his remains ... The honor guard included troops from the 3rd Infantry and from the Army's Special Forces (Green Berets) ...
... Honor guards are present at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi. ...
... Honor Guard (featured) - The most prestigious grouping of superheroes ... The Bouncing Beatnik and the Old Soldier assisted Honor Guard on its second case, but did not become members ... Throughout its history, Honor Guard appears to have maintained an active membership of seven members ...
... This activity teaches Air Force Honor Guard techniques and provides instruction on creating an Honor Guard at a Cadet's home unit ... the type required by a Honorguardsman, as well as the four elements of the Honor Guard the Ceremonial/Demonstration Element, the Colors Element, the Funeral Element and the Drama ...
Famous quotes containing the words guard and/or honor:
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
—Bible: New Testament, Philippians 4:7.
“I honor your art, because you contrived it, but it only helps those who think the way you do. You may give a sick man your best potion but he’ll die if he thinks it’s poison.”
—Franz Grillparzer (1791–1872)