Fortissimo 2012 Takes to Parliament Hill

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 3, 2012) - From August 9 to 11, 2012, at 7 p.m. on Parliament Hill, the soldiers of the Ceremonial Guard will host the 16th annual Fortissimo celebration. The theme of this year's show is the commemoration of the 200^th anniversary of the War of 1812.

Fortissimo is a military concert and sunset ceremony conducted on the lawns of Parliament Hill. Fortissimo 2012 will feature military brass bands and pipes & drums, highland dancers, guest performers and the soldiers of the Ceremonial Guard. It is a free event open to the public and lawn chairs or blankets for seating are recommended.

Brigadier-General Omer Lavoie, Commander Joint Task Force (Central) - Land Force Central Area, will preside over the event debut as Reviewing Officer on August 9th.

In addition to the Canadian performers, Fortissimo 2012 will feature the following international guests: Colonial Williamsburg Fife & Drums; the German Forces Elite Drill Team and Fifes & Drums; The Jamaican Military Band; and the United States Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps.

The Ceremonial Guard is a unique unit of the Canadian Forces composed of more than 400 Regular and Reserve Force members from across Canada. Wearing the uniforms of The Canadian Grenadier Guards, based in Montreal, and The Governor General's Foot Guards, based in Ottawa, the unit performs ceremonial public duties throughout the National Capital Region during the summer months. All members of the Ceremonial Guard are fully-trained members of the Canadian Forces.

Note to Editors:

Information about the Ceremonial Guard is available online at: http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/land-terre/cg-gc/guard-garde-eng.asp