Mishall RehmanThe Ceremonial Guard performed its first Changing of the Guard for the 2016 season on Sunday, June 26 on Parliament Hill.
“The Canadian Armed Forces Ceremonial Guard demonstrates the excellence and discipline of our servicemen and women, not just in the Canadian Army, but in the Canadian Armed Forces as a whole. Their presence on Parliament Hill and Rideau Hall reflects the heritage and legacy of our military in service to the people of Canada,” said BGen. Rob Roy Mackenzie, Chief of Staff Army Reserve, Canadian Army.
Members of the Ceremonial Guard are fully trained members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and many have participated in international operations. This year’s Ceremonial Guard is comprised of 81 Canadian Army regiments, four Royal Canadian Navy Ships and one Royal Canadian Air Force Squadron.
“The Ceremonial Guard provides an excellent and diverse representation of the institutions and people that make up the Canadian Armed Forces. The Guard provides an invaluable resource to connect visitors to our national capital and to the history and traditions of the Armed Forces,” stated BGen. Lowell Thomas, Commander, 4th Canadian Division.
With Sunday’s Changing of the Guard, sentries will begin to be posted at the Residence of the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada. Members will also be performing sentry duties at Rideau Hall every hour on the hour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
“The execution of public duties, like the Changing of the Guard, demands dedication, patience, and an unparalleled commitment to military service. Performing on Parliament Hill and at Rideau Hall is an honour for all soldiers and musicians on parade,” said Maj. Michel Lavigne, Commanding Officer of the Ceremonial Guard.
A well-recognized tradition of Ottawa, the Ceremonial Changing of the Guard attracts thousands of visitors each year on Parliament Hill since the first ceremony held on July 2, 1959, 57 years ago.
