Ottawa—His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, will take part in National Day of Honour-related events on May 8 and 9, 2014,to commemorate and recognize the men and women who participated in Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan.
“For more than a dozen years, the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces served with honour and distinction in Afghanistan. They were joined by Canadian diplomats, public servants, contractors and journalists, and they were supported by their families and friends, who remind us that those who served in Afghanistan were fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters,” said His Excellency. “As governor general and commander-in-chief of Canada, I am pleased to offer them my deepest thanks for their service and their sacrifice on this National Day of Honour.”
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Gatineau, Quebec
12:15 p.m.
Soldier On Afghanistan Relay (SOAR)
The Governor General and Mrs. Sharon Johnston, will join Mr. Daniel Champagne, Gatineau City Councillor, to greet those taking part in the SOAR upon their arrival in Gatineau.
From May 4 to 9, the SOAR is carrying the last Canadian flag to fly at International Security Assistance Force Headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan, through small communities between Trenton and Ottawa. On the National Day of Honour, the flag will be carried onto Parliament Hill.
City Hall, 25 Laurier Street, Gatineau
Open to Media
Friday, May 9, 2014
Ottawa, Ontario
9 a.m.
Soldier On Afghanistan Relay (SOAR) at Rideau Hall
Their Excellencies will accompany the SOAR participants as they run, walk and wheel through the grounds of Rideau Hall.
Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive
Open to Media
10:30 a.m.
Memorial Service for the Fallen
The Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada will join Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence, and General Thomas J. Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff, and participate in a ceremony in the Senate with the families of the fallen.
Senate Chambers, Parliament Hill
Open to Media pool
12:30 p.m.
National Day of Honour Parade
His Excellency will inspect the Parade, which will include Canadian Armed Forces personnel, members of the RCMP and of the local police, veterans and civilians who were deployed as part of the mission in Afghanistan. Upon the parade’s arrival on Parliament Hill, at approximately 1 p.m., there will be an inspection and a 21-gun salute. His Excellency will also deliver remarks.
Parliament Hill
Open to Media
The National Day of Honour commemorates the service and sacrifice of members of the Canadian Armed Forces and employees of the public service of Canada who served in Afghanistan. It is also an opportunity to thank family members, friends and all Canadians for their tremendous support. Finally, the day recognizes the sacrifices made by the families of the fallen.
For more information on the National Day of Honour, please visit http://www.app.forces.gc.ca/ndoh-jndc/national-day-of-honour.html.
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Media wishing to cover the events taking place on Parliament Hill must contact Collin Lafrance at the Parliamentary Press Gallery at collin.lafrance@parl.gc.ca.
Media information:
Julie Rocheleau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-7280
julie.rocheleau@gg.ca
