Guard mounting, changing the guard, or the changing of the guard, is a formal ceremony in which sentries performing ceremonial guard duties at important institutions are relieved by a new batch of sentries. The ceremonies are often elaborate and precisely choreographed. They originated with peacetime and battlefield military drills introduced to enhance unit cohesion and effectiveness in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
A guard mounting ceremony at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Pioneers and students mount the guard of honour at Victory Square in Minsk
Members of the National Guards Unit of Bulgaria during a guard mounting ceremony.
Changing of the Guard ceremony held at Parliament Hill, 2015
Public duties are performed by military personnel, and usually have a ceremonial or historic significance rather than an overtly operational role.
A member of the Household Cavalry standing watch in London
Two Governor General's Foot Guardsmen standing watch at Rideau Hall, an official residence for the Monarch, and the Governor General.
Sentries during the changing of the guard at the Citadelle of Quebec.
The Danish Royal Life Guard provide permanent guards to Amalienborg Palace.
