State Partnership Program

Video by Master Sgt. Andrew Jackson

Hawaii Air National Guardʻs Royal Guard posted a ceremonial watch on anniversary

State of Hawaii, Department of Defense, Public Affairs Office

Nov. 16, 2021 | 1:35

The Hawaii Air National Guardʻs Royal Guard posted a ceremonial watch on the grounds of the countries only palace. The Royal Guard is a special honor guard in the Hawaii Air National Guard where select members who are from Hawaiian ancestry perform ceremonial duties at various events throughout the year. The Royal Guard was originally a unit of military palace guards in the Kingdom of Hawaii before it was overthrown in 1893. They were re-established on November 16, 1963 marking beloved 19th century monarch King Kalakauka’s birthday celebration. Members of the unit go to great lengths to maintain period-correct uniforms, even refurbishing original helmets all on volunteer hours, and use the hawaiian language to call commands during their drill and ceremony. The members of the Royal Guard help the state and is guard members to connect to their unique place in history serving as reminders of the heritage and history of their forebears. (US Air National Guard Photos by Master Sgt. Andrew Lee Jackson)