Honor guard

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 USA, military honor guards may serve as ambassadors to the public, presenting a positive image of their service, and assisting with the recruiting effort.

Honor Guard (comics)

Honor Guard is a hero team in the comic book series Astro City, portrayed as the world's most elite or prestigious grouping of superheroes. Created by writer Kurt Busiek and artists Brent Anderson and Alex Ross.

Vital Statistics

Status: Active

Members: Black Rapier (chairman), Beautie, Cleopatra II, M.P.H., N-Forcer, Quarrel II, Samaritan.

Former Members include: Cleopatra I, El Hombre, Hummingbird, Kitkat, Leopardman, The Living Nightmare, Max O'Millions, Mermaid, Mirage, the Silver Agent, Starfighter and Starwoman.

Debuted: 1:1

First appearance: 1959

Base of Operations: A cloaked flying base that, presumably for reasons of security, relocates every month.

But the group usually will go anywhere in the world and even out of this world when there is trouble.

Allies: There have been quite a few heroes who haven't joined the group but have aided the team, including the Bouncing Beatnik, the Old Soldier, Winged Victory, the Gentleman, and folktale hero Joe Magarac.

Group history

Honor Guard was founded in 1959 by Max O'Millions to combat the Legions of Midnight. Its original roster also included the Silver Agent, Starwoman, Leopardman and Kitkat, the first N-Forcer, and the first Cleopatra. The Bouncing Beatnik and the Old Soldier assisted Honor Guard on its second case, but did not become members.