The soldiers and band of the Ceremonial Guard of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will host the 18th annual Fortissimo celebration from July 24 to 26, at 7:30 p.m. on Parliament Hill.
Fortissimo is a military concert and sunset ceremony conducted on the lawn of Parliament Hill. The event will feature military brass bands, pipes & drums, guest performers and the soldiers of the Ceremonial Guard. Admission is free and lawn chairs or blankets for seating are recommended. Fortissimo is a showcase event that has drawn thousands of spectators since it began in 1997.
- All the members of the Ceremonial Guard are fully trained members of the CAF, many with overseas experience on international operations.
- Soldiers from almost 70 Canadian Army regiments make up the 2014 Ceremonial Guard.
- In addition to the Ceremonial Guard and musical performers, Fortissimo 2014 will include: The Dominion
Carillon; The Lorne Scots; 48th Highlanders of Canada; Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada; The Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada; the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces; the Musique Régionale des Cadets de la région de l’est; period re-enactors of The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry; and a flag party from HMCS Carleton.
“Members of the Ceremonial Guard represent a cross-section of the Canadian Armed Forces. They are fully-trained soldiers and whether serving overseas or fulfilling solemn and historical duties here at home, Canadians can be proud of their skill and commitment to excellence.”
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls and Minister of National Defence
“Fortissimo is a musical and military spectacular that allows the Canadian Army to share some of our most cherished traditions with Canadians. Members of the Ceremonial Guard are skilled soldiers and musicians, all representing their country to the fullest. Not only does the Ceremonial Guard showcase the ability of the Canadian Army, Fortissimo also educates and brings Canadians together to witness military tradition and Canadian heritage. This is an event not to be missed!”
Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse,
Commander of the Canadian Army
Associated Links
www.ceremonialguard.forces.gc.ca
www.facebook.com/changingoftheguard
www.flickr.com/photos/lfca_multimedia/sets/72157645264866273/
- 30 -
Contacts
Lieutenant (Navy) David Lewis
Ceremonial Guard Public Affairs Officer
David.Lewis@forces.gc.ca
1-613-991-1084
OCdt James Benning
Ceremonial Guard Unit Public Affairs Representative
James.Benning@forces.gc.ca
1-613-668-7546
Media Relations Office
Department of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811
