Abstract
The study deals with the topic of presenting the Border Guard ("Pohraniční stráž") to the public in the years 1948-1956 through its image in fiction, press, visuals as well as through the events meant to represent the Border Guard - especially the first celebrations of the Day of the Border Guard in 1956. The final part of the study covers the co-existence and everyday interaction between the guard officers and local people, since the direct contact played an essential role in shaping the general public's attitude toward the guard.
The main forms of such co-operation were gathering intelligence (Border Guard Helpers - "Pomocníci Pohraniční stráže"), co-operation through the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia and the Czechoslovak Union of Youth, organizing cultural events, work with children and young people.