Visit to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
The Governor General of Canada visited Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, on Saturday, May 21, 2011. During this visit, he officiated at a ceremony to consecrate and present The Queen’s colours and those of the Royal Military College Saint-Jean (RMC Saint-Jean).
Sat, 05/21/2011 - 12:00 Sgt Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall GG2011-0255-001
In the afternoon, the Governor General met with local citizens to highlight the courage and solidarity of the people of these communities and offer them words of encouragement.
Sat, 05/21/2011 - 12:00 Rideau Hall GG2011-0256-036
Since the end of April, the Montérégie region has been affected by floods.
Sat, 05/21/2011 - 12:00 Rideau Hall GG2011-0256-010
As Commander-in-Chief of Canada, His Excellency also acknowledged the contribution of the Canadian Forces in the region's relief efforts.
Sat, 05/21/2011 - 12:00 Rideau Hall GG2011-0256-005
The Governor General toured the region in a Canadian Forces helicopter to witness the extent of the damage.
Sat, 05/21/2011 - 12:00 Rideau Hall GG2011-0256-001
During his visit in Montérégie, the Governor General also met with Red Cross volunteers in Saint-Blaise-sur-Richelieu and Saint-Paul-de-l'Île-aux-Noix. He thanked them for their invaluable help and support for flooding victims during the crisis.
Sat, 05/21/2011 - 12:00 Rideau Hall GG2011-0256-048
The mission of RMC Saint-Jean is to prepare officer cadets for successful careers as commissioned officers in the Canadian Forces by means of its academic, leadership, sports and bilingualism programmes.
Sat, 05/21/2011 - 12:00 Sgt Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall GG2011-0255-050
During the ceremony, His Excellency also presented the Collegiate Bronze Governor General's Academic Medal (post-secondary diploma level) to an officer cadet who has distinguished himself during his studies.
Sat, 05/21/2011 - 12:00 Sgt Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall GG2011-0255-039
"These colours boldly represent your desire to serve. They symbolize your honour and your sense of duty to Canada, and to a fairer, more just world. This sense of duty has led you—and your families and loved ones—to accept the demands of service: the long hours, the difficult and relentless training regimen, and the constant need for flexibility and self-discipline", said the Governor General.
Sat, 05/21/2011 - 12:00 Sgt Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall GG2011-0255-034
Approved by the Canadian Heraldic Authority, these colours represent military honour and sense of duty. The consecration is an opportunity for servicemen and servicewomen to renew their commitment to always serve The Queen and their country with dignity and dedication.
Sat, 05/21/2011 - 12:00 Sgt Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall GG2011-0255-029
His Worship Gérard Dutil, Mayor of the Municipality of Saint-Paul-de-l'Île-aux-Noix welcomed His Excellency upon his arrival at City Hall. During their meeting, His Excellency recognized the important role elected municipal officials play in rallying communities together.
Sat, 05/21/2011 - 12:00 Rideau Hall GG2011-0256-045