The mission of the HONOR GUARD is to set the standard for Honor Guard formations specifically focused on honoring those who fought and died during the American Civil War. Trained per the United States Army Regulations of 1861, the National Honor Guard Academy and the United States Army’s Training Circular (TC) 3-21.5 Drill and Ceremonies, the HONOR GUARD aims to participate in Honor Guard functions across the country, with a specific focus on the American Civil War. The HONOR GUARD will participate in Reviews, Parades, Honor Guards, Funerals and Color Presentations specific but not limited to the American Civil War.
- Officer of the Guard
- Sergeant of the Guard / Color Sergeant (National Standard)
- Sergeant of the Guard / Color Sergeant (Regimental Standard)
- 10 Color Corporals
Primary Uniform: Per the United States Army Regulations of 1861
Why is this HONOR GUARD different than any other formation or unit rendering ceremonious honors? The GUARD aims to field a full strength Color Guard under the two flag system documented in the Revised Regulations of the U.S. Army of 1861 while also interpreting the three (3) Field Manuals that were in circulation during the American Civil War for the Federal military; Winfield Scott's Manual of 1835, William Hardy's Manual of 1855, and Silas Casey's Manual of 1862. Also taken into account with our interpretation is the Regimental and Company Organizations mandated by the 37th Congress on July 29, 1861 and the revisions made by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton to Casey's Manual on August 11, 1862.
Color Guards were organized to protect a Regiment's flag(s) in battle, which were commonly used by soldiers in the ranks as a landmark to the alignment and status of their unit due to the cacophony of combat. The name Honor Guard is derived from Color Guards rendering ceremonious honors in the form of a Presentation of the Colors or Burial Details to name a few.
Typically Color Corporals were selected by each Company to represent them in the Color Guard. Civil War Regiments on the Federal side were by regulation required to carry two (2) flags, a National standard and a Regimental standard. The National Standard and Regimental Standard would be carried by a Color Sergeant who were then flanked by Color Corporals. Behind the two (2) Color Sergeants and two (2) Color Corporals would be the second rank of four (4) Color Corporals followed by a rank of file closers in the form of four (4) Color Corporals. With the two (2) flag system now requiring 10 Color Corporals if at full strength, the Color Corporals would then be selected from each of the 10 line companies of a regiment. When the Color Guard then acted in an Honor Guard capacity, that Guard would would then have an Officer appointed over it, commonly the rank of Lieutenant.
Members of the GETTYSBURG GUARD who want to participate in the Honor Guard will be required to attend a two (2) day Honor Guard Academy that will be hosted in Gettysburg, PA where candidates will be taught the basic movements and formations and then have a final evaluation on what they have been taught. Upon completion of the two (2) day Academy, graduates will earn their silver Badge of the Guard, uniquely numbered for each graduate. Upon completion of a uniform inspection and then having participated in five (5) Honor Guard functions, GUARD members will then be awarded their golden Eagle.
Do you want to be a part of this unique unit? We have a spot for you! Contact us today and start your rewarding experience as a member of this HONOR GUARD.
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