The Ceremonial Guard Mounts the First Guard of the 2014 Season

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 24, 2014) - Department of National Defence

Introduction

The Ceremonial Guard performed the first Changing of the Guard for the 2014 season on Parliament Hill today at 10 a.m. The ceremony is Ottawa's most recognized military tradition, and is a summer attraction which has attracted thousands of visitors on Parliament Hill for more than 55 years. In addition to the Changing of the Guard ceremony, they perform daily sentry duties at Rideau Hall every hour on the hour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ceremonial Sentries at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are expected to resume their duties on August 4 upon completion of the renovations to the National War Memorial.

Quick Facts

• All the members of the Ceremonial Guard are fully-trained members of the Canadian Armed Forces, many with overseas experience on international operations.
• Soldiers from almost 70 Canadian Army regiments make up the 2014 Ceremonial Guard.
• The first Guard Mount took place 56 years ago, on Parliament Hill on July 2, 1959.

Quotes

"The members of the Ceremonial Guard represent the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Army with skill and precision. I take great pride in knowing that these fully-trained soldiers, who come to us from across Canada, are sharing this military tradition and ceremony with Canadians and visitors from near and far."

Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse

Commander of the Canadian Army

"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 of the Ceremonial Guard

Associated Links

www.ceremonialguard.forces.gc.ca

www.facebook.com/changingoftheguard