An honor guard is a group of individuals who serve as ceremonial guards at parades, funerals, and other events that represent our profession in the most dignified manner.

 

Most militaries around the world have honor guards, with each branch usually having its own, and some civilian organizations have similar groups that perform ceremonial functions when required. As a general rule, members of an honor code must meet very stringent, specific requirements.

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Honor Guards are steeped in Military tradition; even civilian honor guards of Police, fire, and EMS, and American Legions follow strict standards and policies to present a unified presentation at all events.  Your highest level of cooperation, adherence to the standards outlined in our policies, and respect for State Officers and all district officers appointed to represent our profession and EMS providers who gave all in a LODD.

 

Members wear full-dress uniforms, referred to as “Class A” uniforms, and observe ceremonial protocol. They can include color guards, which bear the national flag along with other flags and guidons; pallbearers, who accompany coffins to burial; and riflemen, who fire rifles in ceremonial salutes. The cordon also includes support personnel who ensure the guard members always look their best.

 

To join the honor guard, a member of the guard must generally display exemplary behavior and a commitment to duty. Honor guards are also selected based on physical aptitude, including the ability to execute tricky maneuvers during parades.

 

Because these guards represent the past, present, and future, fumbles and a lack of attention to detail are viewed as shameful, as they cast aspersions not only on the individual guard but on the principles they represent.

 

One of the most famous roles of the military honor guard is at graveside services conducted for members of the service. See policies.The primary benefit of the Honor Guard is the gratification of honoring one’s comrades, providing comfort to grieving family members, and representing the pride of our profession. 

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We train our members to be proficient in the skills of an honor guard member!

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