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Annual Inspection of the Ceremonial Guard
Rideau Hall, Thursday, June 18, 2009
It is always such a pleasure to celebrate the return of the Ceremonial Guard to Rideau Hall and Parliament Hill.
We are joined this morning by members of the public. Welcome, one and all!
This year marks the 50th anniversary of this great tradition that is the Changing of the Guard. Fifty years already!
Some people might think that, because your role is ceremonial, you are life-sized tin soldiers who have stepped off the pages of our childhood picture books.
It is true that you perform ceremonial duties.
But let us not forget that your public performances bring to us one of the rich traditions of the Canadian Forces.
And let us not forget that each and every one of you is a trained soldier in the Canadian Forces, whether part of the Regular service or the Reserve, and that you have received the same training as any other soldier.
Furthermore, the experience that you awaits you is far from easy and is, in fact, extremely demanding.
I would challenge anyone to don your uniform and hat when the sun is beating down, to stand at attention for as long, to remain impassive no matter what the circumstance, to carry out each step, each movement, with the same precision and synchronization.
It takes stamina, nerve, discipline and an extraordinary esprit de corps.
That is what visitors of all ages to the governor general’s residence and Parliament Hill admire most about you.
Just look at how much fun children have putting you to the test, trying anything they can think of to get you to smile. My daughter, Marie-Éden, has also tried her best!
It is a game, of course. But the children want to see whether you are as infallible as you seem, whether you are worthy of being their heroes.
And if you should happen to give them a little wink, they believe that they have done the impossible.
They might even start to dream of one day becoming themselves soldiers in the Ceremonial Guard.
No question, you draw the interest and admiration of visitors.
It is estimated that 2 000 to 4 000 people gather every day on Parliament Hill to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
And you pique their curiosity. One question in particular inevitably comes up each year.
They ask me: What do you say to the soldiers when you do the inspection? What do you talk about?
Don’t worry: my lips are sealed.
That is a secret between the Commander-in-Chief and her troops. And that is something sacred!
I wish you all a wonderful summer, one that is neither too hot nor too humid. Above all, I hope that this will be an unforgettable experience.
You have much to be proud of, as do we!
One thing is certain, in any case: the Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces is very proud of her Ceremonial Guard.