His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, and the Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence joined the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) and the Royal 22e Régiment (R22eR) as they commemorated their 100th anniversary this evening with a joint ceremony on the lawns of Parliament Hill.
His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, was the reviewing officer for this parade held at sunset. The ceremony, with more than 200 soldiers, included a feu-de-joie (rifles firing blank rounds in quick succession) and a 21-gun salute, as well as musical accompaniment from the R22eR Band, as well as the Pipes and Drums of the Edmonton Police Service. The ceremony is based on a military tradition where the night watch (sentries) would prove their weapons prior to assuming their duties.
“As Colonel of the Regiment of the PPCLI, I am honoured and humbled by the outpouring of support from Canadians over the past few weeks during the commemoration of the Regiment’s first 100 years of service to Canada. The PPCLI is proud and honoured to parade with our comrades-in-arm on Parliament Hill, signifying the commemoration of a century of service by both Regiments. This is particularly important for the Patricias, given that Ottawa is the birthplace of the PPCLI. The Regiment looks forward to continuing to serve Canadians at home and abroad.”
Lieutenant-General (Retired) Ray Crabbe, Colonel of the Regiment (PPCLI)
Maj Jon O’Connor
Canadian Army – Public Affairs
Phone: 613-971-7128
jon.o’connor@forces.gc.ca
Grant Cree
Director of Public Relations
PPCLI 100th Anniversary Office
Phone: 780-940-3228
grant@grantcree.ca