Official Visit to Saskatchewan - Day 1

Accompanied by RCMP Commissioner William Elliott, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, attended a parade and ceremony in honour of RCMP members who have died in the line of duty since 1876. The event was held on September 11 at the RCMP National Memorial Ceremony in Regina.

The Governor General conducted an inspection of the guard in Sleigh Square before addressing RCMP members and their families.

After laying a wreath at the Memorial Wall, the Governor General and other officials honoured fallen members with a minute of silence.

The ceremony was held on the same day of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. In his address to RCMP members, His Excellency said: "It is fitting that we have gathered together to mourn these Canadians as we join with others around the world to mark the 10th anniversary of the terrible attacks of September 11, 2001. On that tragic day, police, other emergency services personnel and ordinary people sacrificed themselves to save the lives of others. Members of the RCMP were ready to lend a hand to their brothers and sisters in uniform, as well as to those US citizens who were stranded on this side of the border."

In the afternoon, His Excellency travelled to Gravelbourg to meet with the mayor His Worship Réal Forest, and to unveil a plaque of the Fransaskois flag. Their Excellencies then attended celebrations in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Association communautaire fransaskoise in Gravelbourg, and met with members of the community.

Before leaving Gravelbourg, His Excellency, accompanied by His Worship Réal Forest, conducted a tour of the town and visited the beautiful cathedral.

In the evening, Their Excellencies returned to Regina to attend a dinner hosted by Their Honours the Honourable Dr. Gordon L. Barnhart, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, and Mrs. Naomi Barnhart, to mark their first official visit to the province. The event took place at Government House.