Military Honor Guards, the Forgotten Keepers of Tradition

Honor Guards welcome a nation's friends, protect a nation's symbols, and honor a nation's dead among upholding other proud traditions. The History Guy remembers the keepers of tradition, military honor guards, in the latest installment of his "hat collection" episodes. It is history that deserves to be remembered.

This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As images of actual events are sometimes not available, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.

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Script by THG

#history #thehistoryguy #militaryhistory

[canoefor-one]

The Air Force Honor Guard ceremony at my husband's funeral was was steeped in tradition and dignity. It connected him for all time with millions of fellow patriots. Rest in peace, my love.

[gregmannos]

My son just began his Air Force Honor Guard training yesterday in Washington DC. Perfect timing.. Thanks

[marykathleensapp]

One of your most memorable for me...I was brought up in a military family, worked for the Navy as a nurse in Guam, and have been the recipient of a folded casket flag. Well done sir..

[swj]

My grandfather on my mother's side was one of the men I respected most in my life, and always will.

After he passed several years ago, at his funeral I managed to keep a hold of myself, standing next to my grandmother, trying to be some form of rock for her.

Until that man in an air force uniform - grandpa had been, for a short time, in the US army air corp during WWII - knelt down in front of my grandmother with a folded flag in his hand and said in a gravely voice that made me think "this guy has been a recruit instructor" said "on behalf of a grateful nation..."

It was all I could do to not start bawling, and regardless the tears came freely for a man I hope still thinks well of me.

[Hillbilly]

I served as a member of the Honor Guard at Ft. Ord, California. Difficult duty that I am honored to have been a part of.

[obelic]

I still remember the reburial of the remains of a fallen GI from WW2.
This MIA GI was found during construction work near our AF base.
After identifying the family requested he would be laid to rest with his fallen comrades in arms at the US warcemetary at Margraten.

The foundation keep them rolling suplied an original deuce and a half WW2 truck to transport the remains.

US servicemen from the NATO AF base in their finest uniforms escorted the remains from the memorial service to the final restingplace.
Military police escorted the truck and cars with family to the warcemetary.

[meltedplasticarmyguy]

Early in my military career I had aspirations of being in an honor guard because I loved "Drill & Ceremony"... then the war happened and I lost so many close friends. I can not listen to TAPS or be in presence of the rifle volleys anymore. I have been to too many funerals and memorial services of fallen comrades that I come close to losing all bearing and become a wreak for a while afterwards.

[garretvaughn]

A former student of mine was in the Old Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is fascinating and humbling to listen to him tell about his time there honoring our nation's heroes. God bless those who give lasting dignity to our fallen soldiers. Thanks for this great video, History Guy!

[orwellboy]

Thank you for another great episode. If I might just raise a small point we in England had a 61 gun salute for the Queens 93 birthday. Thank you to all American servicemen, I've had the pleasure of meeting quite a few over the years of supplying US airforce bases here in the UK, they are always very respectful and polite.

[flatulentcow]

I was at the tomb of the unknown soldier during a wreath ceremony and the playing of taps. It was a moving tribute to hear the bugle playing while overlooking the thousands of white crosses below. I was also moved by the honor displayed by the Sentinel Guardians. 21 steps...21 seconds.

[crazybrit-nasafan]

Thank you sir for remembering and honoring those who have fallen in service of the free world and for those who serve or have served.
For that you have my respect.
For a future episode may I suggest an episode about James Doohan? Not only the inimitable 'Scotty' from Star trek but also a war hero.
Best regards.

[michaelgaynor]

Thank you Veteran's and the honor guard's who gave my Father his last honor as a Korean War Veteran, after all these year's I still have the shell's from his 21 gun salute. James Edward Gaynor from Baltimore Maryland.

[profyousmithe]

I remember when the played Taps at my fathers funeral. Tough! Very tough but much appreciated!

[dhession]

If you've never had to perform funeral duty for a deceased member of your own company, consider yourself fortunate. While I was in my Army Reserve unit, I helped lay three of my company members to rest, two from the platoon of which I was Platoon Sergeant. This duty was carried out in a four month span of time. I knew these people in life, and helped carry them to their rest. I am honored to be able to do so. It's difficult to put into words how sad I am, but I hope the family felt a sense of security that people that knew their loved ones, and served their country with them, were helping lay them to rest. It makes the burden worth bearing. God love the ones who do so for someone they do not know, such as the honor guards in this video who are selected for that duty. The families of the fallen appreciate it more than you could know.
Though it pokes at some old wounds, I am grateful you made this video, HG. It highlights a committed cadre from all branches that don't get a whole lot of credit or appreciation for the service they render. May our honored dead rest in peace.

[markdenney]

My nephew is, at present, serving in the U.S. Marine Corp at Camp Lejeune. His duty is funeral services. He participates in at least one per week and as many as three in a day. It is I a service I could not bear. I am very proud that he is present to show the respects of a grateful nation. I appreciate your topics many times thanks again.

[rkkotilley]

To attend a funeral complete with honor guard is a solemn experience.

[nikburton]

Salutes at funerals are usually 18 guns. Even numbers for the dead. I still have the shells from my Dad's funeral. I often had funeral duties during my Navy career and it was always 18 guns (rifles) for a burial at sea. Rank had naught to do with it. We sent a brother sailor to Davy Jones Locker, he got 18 guns, weather an Admiral, or a Seaman Recruit.

[grondhero]

Thank you for the video.

My grandfather served 30 years in the Army Air Corps / Air Force. The Air Force Honor Guard drove nearly two hours to honor him at his funeral. Beautiful but sad.

[JohnToddTheOriginal]

Excellent video! I was in the Navy's Ceremonial Guard in Washington, DC from 1999-2001. I was in the "Firing Party" for a while. I must have helped bury over 1, 000 people at Arlington. Then I got promoted and started doing ceremonies at the White House.

It's a great duty, if you can get it. Standards are high and it's tougher than one might think.

THG, thanks for a great video!

[skyhawksailor]

Thank you for this video shedding light on this duty. I encourage young people in the military to volunteer for this service. During my 41 year career in the United Stated Navy I performed Military Funerals the last eight years of my service, only wishing I had started years earlier. Performing Military Funeral Honors was the most Honorable, Respectful and Rewarding duty I performed in the Navy and Navy Reserves. When a person thanks a member for their service, one knows we are receiving respect and gratitude, but when a family member comes up to you and hugs you and thanks you for helping them in this time of need, you know you are getting so much from them and knowing you helped them bring closure, it makes you a better person.