The Ceremonial Guard mounts the first guard of the 2015 season

News Release

June 28, 2015

OTTAWA - The Ceremonial Guard performed the first Changing of the Guard ceremony for the 2015 season today on Parliament Hill.

The ceremony, now entering its 57^th year, is Ottawa’s most recognized military tradition, and is a summer event which has attracted thousands of visitors to Parliament Hill. In addition to the Changing of the Guard ceremony, members of the Ceremonial Guard began sentry duties at Rideau Hall, the Residence of the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, with hourly guard changes every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Quick Facts

All the members of the Ceremonial Guard are fully-trained members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), many with deployments on international operations.
Soldiers from more than 70 Canadian Army regiments make up the 2015 Ceremonial Guard.
The first Guard Mount took place on Parliament Hill on July 2, 1959.
The Band of the Ceremonial Guard is part of the CAF Primary Reserves. It forms each year to provide musical support for the Changing of the Guard ceremony on Parliament Hill.

Quotes

“This Canadian military icon is composed of Regular and Reserve Force members and includes soldiers from regiments across this nation. I take great pride in knowing that these fully-trained soldiers are sharing this military tradition and ceremony with fellow Canadians and visitors to the National Capital Region. They represent our very best: strong, proud and ready.”
Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse,
Commander, Canadian Army

“The Changing of the Guard is an honoured institution which highlights the pageantry, precision and colour of the Ceremonial Guard. The Ceremonial Guard is one of the ways we are able to engage Canadians and celebrate our military traditions.”
Brigadier-General Lowell Thomas,
Commander, 4^th Canadian Division

“The execution of public duties, like the Changing of the Guard, demands dedication, patience and an unparalleled commitment to military service. Performing on Parliament Hill is an honour for all soldiers and musicians on parade.”
Major Michel Lavigne,
Commanding Officer, Ceremonial Guard

Associated Links

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Contacts

Lieutenant (Navy) David Lewis
Phone: 1-613-220-0091
Mobile: 1-613-291-4240
E-mail: david.lewis@forces.gc.ca

2Lt James Benning
Ceremonial Guard Unit Public Affairs Representative
Phone: 1-613-668-7546
E-mail: James.Benning@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Department of National Defence
Phone: 1-613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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The Ceremonial Guard mounts the first guard of the 2015 season

News Release

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