Ceremonial graduation events concluded today at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC), located on the historic Point Frederick in Kingston, Ontario.

“I am proud to celebrate the Class of 2018 – a new generation of talented women and men ready to serve our country. I congratulate each graduate on their achievements while at the Royal Military College, and wish them well as they begin their journey as leaders in the Canadian Armed Forces.”

– Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence

“The academics and military training at the Royal Military College of Canada empowers these young officers with the skills required to meet the challenges of today's complex and ever-changing Canadian Military. It is my pleasure to play a role in to welcoming these young Canadians who will become the leaders of the Canadian Armed Forces in service of our country.”

– Lieutenant-General P.F. Wynnyk, Commander Canadian Army

"The three Colleges of the Canadian Defence Academy generate the leaders of today and tomorrow who are prepared to deliver excellence at home and abroad. Faculty and staff of the Royal Military College of Canada have achieved the mission to produce these officers with the mental, ethical, physical and linguistic capabilities required to lead with distinction in the Canadian Armed Forces. The education they received provides them with the necessary professional and intellectual abilities to assume the demands and responsibilities of leading in today’s ever changing world.”

– Rear-Admiral Luc Cassivi, Commander, Canadian Defence Academy

“Graduation is always a proud time here at the Royal Military College of Canada. During their time at the College, these young men and women have challenged and pushed themselves in order to be successful, not only academically, but across all four pillars, which also includes: Military, Physical Fitness and Bilingualism. I wish all of our graduates the best in the next steps of their career. With the foundation and relationships you have built during your time here, I know you will be successful.”

– Brigadier-General Sébastien Bouchard, Commandant, Royal Military College of Canada

• Defence Minister, Harjit S. Sajjan, in his role as RMC Chancellor, presented 288 graduating students with their bachelor, master and doctoral degrees at RMC’s 111th Convocation, which took place on Thursday, May 17.

• RMC was proud to present Senator Joseph A. Day with a Doctor of Laws honoris causa and Dr. John Allen Stewart with a Doctor of Engineering honoris causa.

• On Thursday evening the traditional Sunset Ceremony featured memorable performances, including a choreographed demonstration by the precision drill team, traditional drumming by the Aboriginal Leadership Opportunity Year cadets, a historical re-creation of the sights and sounds of late 19th century British-Canadian military, and concluded in the final ceremony of lowering the national flag at sunset with a spectacular fireworks display to close the evening.

• Lieutenant-General P.F. Wynnyk, was the Reviewing Officer for the Commissioning Parade held on May 18.The commissioning parade is the formal presentation of an Officer’s commission in the CAF in the name of Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

• Upon completion of the parade, the traditional ‘March through the Arch’ took place. For each class since the 1980s, Officer and Naval Cadets have marched through the Memorial Arch only twice - once when they began their studies at RMC, and again when they graduated.

• RMC graduates will strive to become senior officers in the Canadian Armed Forces, and to lead with distinction across the defence community.

Associated links

• Biographies of Honourary Degree Recipients
• RMC Kingston Facebook
• RMC Kingston Twitter

Captain Leah Campbell
Public Affairs Officer
Royal Military College of Canada
Telephone: 613-541-6000 ext. 6484
Email: leah.campbell@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Telephone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca