On 9/11/2002 a Memorial Service was held to honor the victims of the 9/11/2001 terrorist attacks on America.

This service held at Tupelo Fire Department, Station 1 in Tupelo, Mississippi was attended by representatives of many public service agencies including local police, fire, ambulance, emergency services and others, along with their respective honor guards.

Although represented at the service, NMMC did not have an honor guard in attendance.
As a community leader, the medical center saw an opportunity to do more. This service coupled with the death of an employee (and NMMC's wish to do more to pay last respects to such valued employees) gave birth to a proposal for a NMMC ceremonial guard unit to represent NMMC at employee funerals, public ceremonies, celebrations and community events.

After much research, planning, and with championing from administration, the NMMC Honor Guard was approved in June 2003. A commander for the guard, Jimmy Clemons, was duly appointed and given the charge of recruiting members with outstanding attitude and conduct to serve as ambassadors of NMMC on campus and within the community.

In the following month, the honor guard was formed. Charter members were selected and sent to The National Fire and Public Safety Honor Guard Academy in Ocala, Florida, for training.

After graduating the academy and one year to the day after the inception of the idea for the NMMC Honor Guard, the unit performed its first public ceremony, 9/11/2003 with the posting of a ceremonial U.S. flag at half staff on the NMMC main campus flagpole. Upon retreat of this flag, it was cased and presented to NMMC Vice President John Dawson for his guidance, belief and support of the development of the unit.

Since its inception the honor guard has participated in a multitude of events including the Buddy Bain Festival for Diabetes, Festival of Hope, Employee Recognition Banquet, NMMC-Hamilton groundbreaking, dedication of NMMC-Eupora's flagpole, Alcorn State University Alumni Conference, various community Christmas parades, employee memorial services, half staff ceremony in memoriam of President Reagan, the All American Family Picnic at Ballard Park in Tupelo and various other events. The guard is also active in instructing flag etiquette to local Scout organizations.