Standard-bearer

Standard-bearer of Firefighters Corps of Paraná State – Brazil.

A standard bearer from No. 7 Company, Coldstream Guards, with its regimental colour

A standard-bearer or flag-bearer is a person (soldier or civilian) who bears an emblem called a standard or military Regulation Colours, i.e. either a type of flag or an inflexible but mobile image, which is used (and often honoured) as a formal, visual symbol of a state, prince, military unit, etc.

This can either be an occasional duty, often seen as an honour (especially on parade), or a permanent charge (also on the battlefield); the second type has even led in certain cases to this task being reflected in official rank titles such as Ensign, Cornet and Fähnrich.

Identifying iconographic elements in an Aztec standard-bearer sculpture

In the context of the Olympic Games, a flagbearer is the athlete who carries the flag of their country during the opening and closing ceremonies.

Team USA marches in the parade of athletes around BC Place stadium during the opening Ceremony of the XXI Olympic Winter Games, February 12, 2010, in Vancouver – The standard-bearer is Mark Grimmette

See also

• Regulation Colours
• Historical colours, standards and guidons
• Colour guard