The Ceremonial Guard Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Fortissimo
News Release
July 15, 2016 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Ceremonial Guard of the Canadian Armed Forces will host the 20th annual Fortissimo celebration. Fortissimo is a free military concert and sunset ceremony conducted on the lawns of Parliament Hill.
This year, Fortissimo will be held on July 21, 22, and 23 at 7:30 p.m. each evening, with a special performance by the Skyhawks starting at 7 p.m.
Quotes
“The men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces are amongst the most talented, professional, and skilled soldiers in the world. Fortissimo 2016 will allow the public to discover the exceptional musical skills of our soldiers as they highlight Canada’s proud military and musical heritage.”
Brigadier-General Stephen Cadden, Commander 4th Canadian Division
Quick Facts
- Fortissimo is a military and musical spectacular created to be showcased on the lawns of Parliament Hill, featuring massed military bands, pipes and drums, guest performers, and the soldiers of the Ceremonial Guard. It is a showcase event in the Nation's Capital that has drawn thousands of spectators since it began in 1997.
- Fortissimo 2016 will include a presentation by The Skyhawks, Dominion Carillon, The Band of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, The Lorne Scots, 48th Highlanders of Canada, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, The Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada, The Calgary Highlanders, The Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces, period re-enactors of The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, 30th Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, and drill teams from the Wachbataillon originating in Germany.
- All the members of the Ceremonial Guard are fully-trained members of the Canadian Armed Forces, many with overseas experience on international operations.
- Fortissimo is made up of Canadian Armed Forces members from over 81 Canadian Army regiments, four Royal Canadian Navy Ships, and one Royal Canadian Air Force squadron.
- The Guard is composed of Regular and Reserve Force members with the majority being reservists, and includes soldiers from regiments across Canada.
- The first Guard Mount took place 57 years ago on Parliament Hill, on July 2, 1959.
Associated Links
Fortissimo is a military and musical spectacular of the Canadian Armed Forces which will take place July 21 to 23, 2016, at 7:30 p.m. on Parliament Hill.
Photo: National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Contacts
Captain Mike Wonnacott
Ceremonial Guard Unit Public Affairs Representative
Phone: 905-869-7980
Email: Michael.Wonnacott@forces.gc.ca
**Please be aware we are open to media interviews and will arrange for them upon request.
Media Relations Office
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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