Formation of honor
As honor guard assembled military units are designated for special occasions, with troops flag and a military band or parts thereof for rendering military honors are used.
tradition
Honor formations can be company or battalion strength . Military honors in this form are shown at greetings and farewells to state guests, at flag ribbon awards and at the laying of wreaths. The corresponding formations at funeral ceremonies are called the Escort of Honor or the Grand Escort of Honor. Weaker formations can also be formed; these are designated and addressed depending on the strength and type of operation (e.g. parade of honor).
Since formations of honor are usually composed of at least two different units, they are not addressed with a unit designation (e.g. Third Company ... ) during command , but as form of honor (e.g. "Form of honor - stand still!" ).
In common parlance, the term "honor guard" is used instead of "honor formation". This is a literal translation of the English term "guard of honor" (German equivalent: " Ehrenwache ") and has also established itself, although honor formation is the correct term in military language. In English usage, no distinction is made between form of honor and guard of honor; the term “guard of honor” is also used when receiving military honors .
Honor formation in a civil setting
Honorary formations made up of members of local associations and organizations can also be provided for civil events or commemorations at memorials. The historical basis for the assumption of this military task by civilian delegations is the prohibition of military associations in the Versailles Peace Treaty . For example, fire brigades, the Red Cross or, later, the technical relief organization as well as clubs and youth organizations took over this task. However, these honors do not have the same protocol status as official military or police honorary formations.
