Remembrance Day 2010

The Right Honourable David Johnston and Mrs Sharon Johnston participated in their first National Remembrance Day Ceremony since he became Governor General.

Capt. Will Lymer was among those who came back. Returning troops were from 2 Mechanized Brigade Grooup units within Land Forces Central Area.

The first group of 120 military troops returning from Afghasitan arrived at the Canada Reception Centre at the beginning of the evening.

In the evening, the Governor General welcomed back to Canada troops returning from Afghanistan.

The Governor General invited the Silver Cross Mother to stand beside him during the march past.

The Governor General had the opportunity to speak with some of the veterans attending the ceremony.

A sentry at the National War Memorial was standing close to a children choir. The "O! Canada" and "God Save the Queen" were among the songs that were heard.

Each year, in addition to dignitaries, parliamentarians and military officials, various groups, organisations ans individuals also lay wreath to never forget.

Canadian Forces Chief Petty Officer First Class Robert Cléroux and Chief of the Defence Staff General Walter Natynczyk also laid a wreath.

The Silver Cross Mother laid a wreath on behalf of the mothers of Canada.

As per tradition, the Governor General laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknow Soldier, on behalf of the people of Canada.

Throughout the ceremony, a sentry stands near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Unknown Soldier represents the more than 116,000 Canadian men and women who have died in the service of their country, and in particular the more than 28,000 who have no known resting place.

The National War Memorial, where the National Remembrance Day Ceremony takes place every year, was inaugurated in Ottawa in 1939.

He was then introduced to the 2010 Silver Cross Mother, Mrs. Mabel Girouard. By attending the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa, Mrs. Girouard represented all Canadian mothers who have lost children in the military service to their nation.

Upon his arrival at the National War Memorial, in Ottawa, he received a vice-regal salute.

The Governor General took the time to address all returning members of the Canadian Forces.