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Color Guard Research Paper

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Color guard has morphed over time; from a royal and regimented important civic duty honoring the kings, rulers and dynasties, to a strategic place on a battlefield and, finally, to an honorable activity commemorating the pride that one has in their school, college or branch of armed service. The guarding of colors dates back to ancient times and is mainly documented from the Roman era. The use of the flag becomes specific and the use portrays a clear message by the ninth century in Islam. Later, in the fifteenth century in England, color guard corps emerges as a strategic functioning group on the battlefield and this structure reaches its height in the seventeenth century in Europe and the Americas. Color guard is now firmly planted into modern military, religion and band as more of a display of pride rather than the earlier tactical function. Some arguments exist as to whether color guard is a physical sport. The first origin of color guard is most likely, although loosely, based on ancient Roman "standard-bearers."1 One of these groups was known as the Praetorian Guard. This was an elite force that protected the emperor of Rome during the imperial roman era2. The first connection can be made by considering the Praetorian Guard's use of an oval shield with a distinct wreath and eagle on it, as opposed to all other military …show more content…

In the 15th century, the flag was a place of rally, a symbol that stood out and above to allow a soldier to find his way back if he went astray, and an indication of battle performance. If the flag went down or the carrier was injured or killed, it was a very bad sign for that side of the battle. This is apparent in the words of the "Star Spangled Banner." Consider that the entire song is about the flag being held by a flag bearer to give proof that the battle raged on, that the side hailing the banner (or flag) was still alive and that all was not

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