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Ottawa, Wednesday, June 28, 2006
As commander-in-chief of the Canadian Forces, and as honorary colonel of the Governor General’s Foot Guards and the Canadian Grenadier Guards, I am very pleased to have this opportunity to inspect the Ceremonial Guard as it begins its summer duties.
As many of you know, 2006 marks the 47th year of the Ceremonial Guard’s Public Duties in the Nation’s Capital. This year is also the 25th anniversary of the Band of the Ceremonial Guard.
Both those anniversaries underscore the fact that the young women and men arrayed before us today have quite a tradition to live up to. After review, I’m glad to say that they do justice to their predecessors.
Of course, as we admire the precision of their movements, and the pageantry of the occasion, there may be some here today who believe that these two regiments who make up the Ceremonial Guard play a purely ceremonial role.
In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.
Both of these regiments have distinguished themselves on the field of battle time and time again.
The Canadian Grenadier Guards and the Governor General’s Foot Guards were present at a large number of the armed conflicts that have marked our history, and shaped our national spirit.
Think of the North-west Rebellion of 1885, or the Boer War of 1899-1900. In the First World War, both regiments were at the Battles of Ypres, the Somme, Vimy, Passchendaele, and many others.
And in the Second World War, they both fought valiantly at Falaise, the Scheldt, the Hochwald, and in other battles, right to the bitter end. Indeed, it should be noted that among the twelve Canadians who died in action on the last day of the War, two were members of the Canadian Grenadier Guards.
That commitment to serving overseas lives on; a number of the current members of these regiments have served on missions with the UN and NATO.
As such, the men and women who are serving with the Ceremonial Guard throughout this summer are both a vital link to our nation’s illustrious past, and the personification of Canada’s finest qualities.
I know that you have all trained rigorously to get here; I salute you for your perseverance and your skill. I am also very pleased to note that many of you will join the Regular Forces.
Our country has always needed selfless men and women who are willing to defend our rights and our democratic way of life. It was true 90 years ago at Beaumont-Hamel and the Battle of the Somme, and it is true today, in Afghanistan and other hot spots around the world.
Canadians and other visitors to the Nation’s Capital come out to witness the Changing of the Guard because they admire the precise drill, but also because they hold our Canadian Forces in such high esteem.
Canadians recognize the courageous efforts made by our military, and they deeply appreciate your contribution.
And so, on behalf of all our fellow Canadians, I commend you for your love of country and your devotion to duty. And I wish each and every one of you a most rewarding summer! I am delighted to have been able to share this much-anticipated event in your summer season with you.
Thank you.