The Ceremonial Guard Mounts the Final Guard of the 2016 Season

News Release

The Ceremonial Guard Mounts the Final Guard of the 2016 Season

August 18, 2016 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Ceremonial Guard of the Canadian Armed Forces will perform the final Changing of the Guard ceremony of the 2016 season on Parliament Hill on Sunday, August 21, at 10 a.m., and will cease mounting sentries at Rideau Hall at noon.

During the 2016 public duties season, from June 26 to August 21, the Ceremonial Guard performed military drill and music before thousands of Canadians and tourists on Parliament Hill. In addition to the Changing of the Guard Ceremony each day, soldiers performed sentry duties at Rideau Hall, as well as taking part in additional ceremonies throughout the summer. This season included the 100th Anniversary of Beaumont-Hamel, a guard of honour for United States President Barack Obama, as well as participation in the annual Canada Day and Fortissimo events.

QUOTES

“The men and women of the Ceremonial Guard represent the discipline, excellence and commitment of the Canadian Armed Forces. I congratulate the members of the guard on their outstanding work during the 2016 season and look forward to our return to public duties for 2017 and involvement in the 150th anniversary of confederation.”
– Major Patrice Villeneuve, Commanding Officer Ceremonial Guard

“What a fantastic season for the members of the Ceremonial Guard. They continue to demonstrate the very best of the Canadian Armed Forces while performing military drill and music. After a season in the heat I wish them a well-earned rest and look forward to seeing them again next year.”

Brigadier-General Stephen Cadden, Commander 4th Canadian Division, Canadian Army

QUICK FACTS

• All the members of the Ceremonial Guard who took part this summer were fully-trained members of the Canadian Armed Forces, many with overseas experience on international operations.
• Canadian Armed Forces members from over 81 Canadian Army regiments, 4 Royal Canadian Navy Ships, and 1 Air Force squadron made up the 2016 Ceremonial Guard.
• The first Guard Mount took place 57 years ago, on Parliament Hill on July 2, 1959.