Ceremonial Guard Mounts the First Guard of the 2019 Season
News release
June 24, 2019 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Ceremonial Guard performed its first Changing of the Guard ceremony for the 2019 season yesterday. In its 61st season, the Changing of the Guard ceremony is the most recognized military tradition in Canada’s Capital, and has attracted thousands of visitors to Parliament Hill since the first mount in 1959.
The first Guard Mount marks the start of the 2019 public duties season in which soldiers and musicians of the Ceremonial Guard will proudly take part in different celebrations including the annual Fortissimo military musical concert on Parliament Hill from 18 to 20 July 2019. This year, for a brief period at the beginning of the summer, the Changing of the Guard Ceremony will also take place on the grounds of Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General of Canada.
Please note that there will be no Changing of the Guard Ceremony from June 25 to 27 due to preparations for the Canada day celebrations on Parliament Hill. The Changing of the Guard Ceremony will take place on the grounds of Rideau Hall from June 28 to 30 and July 2 to 5. From July 6 – August 24 the ceremony will return to the lawns of Parliament Hill for the duration of the 2019 season. The start time for the Changing of the Guard ceremony is at 10:00 a.m.
In addition to the Changing of the Guard ceremony, members of the Ceremonial Guard perform daily sentry duties at Rideau Hall, the official residence and workplace of the governor general of Canada.
Quotes
“The Changing of the Guard is an honoured tradition which demonstrates the discipline and excellence of the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces. Being a member of the Ceremonial Guard involves intense training and demands dedication and a commitment to military service. It is something bigger than one’s self. It is an honour for all members of the Ceremonial Guard to represent Canada."
Major Stephane Tremblay, Commanding Officer of Ceremonial Guard
Quick facts
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All the members of the Ceremonial Guard are fully-trained members of the Canadian Armed Forces, many with overseas experience.
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The first Guard Mount took place 60 years ago, on Parliament Hill on July 2, 1959. It was carried out by the Regiment of Canadian Guards, a Regular Force regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces. The Public Duties Detachment was later manned by the two Reserve Guards Regiments, the Governor General's Foot Guards, from Ottawa and the Canadian Grenadier Guards, from Montreal. Today the Ceremonial Guard is comprised of soldiers from units across Canada who adopt the customs and traditions of these two Guards Regiments.
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When required, the Ceremonial Guard mounts Guards of Honour for visiting dignitaries. The Band of the Ceremonial Guard also performs in public concerts, at military functions and in other ceremonies throughout the National Capital Region.
Related products
Associated links
- Ceremonial Guard website
- Ceremonial Guard Facebook
- Ceremonial Guard Instagram
- Canadian Army website
- Canadian Army Facebook
- The official X account of the Canadian Army
- The official X account of the Commander of the Canadian Army
- The official Canadian Army YouTube channel
- The official Instagram account of the Canadian Army
- The official Instagram account of the Canadian Army Command Team
- The official Flickr account of the Canadian Army
Contacts
Second Lieutenant James Benning
Public Affairs Officer
Ceremonial Guard
Phone: 343-998-4060
Email: James.Benning@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca