Visit to Members of the Governor General’s Foot Guards

His Excellency also stopped in the Band Room to meet with the musicians. The GGFG is a primary reserve infantry battalion raised on June 7, 1872 in Ottawa. They have been supporting the governor general and participating in official events at Rideau Hall since the year the regiment was formed. Every summer, the GGFG perform the Changing the Guard ceremony and post sentries at Rideau Hall.

As colonel of the Governor General’s Foot Guards (GGFG), His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, visited with members of the regiment at Cartier Square Drill Hall, in Ottawa, on November 26, 2010.

Upon his arrival, the Governor General met with the Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding of the Regiment Derek Cheff (right). His Excellency also met with the Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel, the Regimental Sergeant-Major, members of the Regimental Council, and WWII and Afghanistan veterans.

In the Regimental museum, His excellency looked at a display honouring Corporal John David Makela, M.M.V., from Ottawa, Ontario, who received the Medal of Military Valour. On October 16, 2006, Corporal Makela prevented a fatal attack on his combat logistics patrol by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan. The explosion engulfed Corporal Makela’s vehicle and seriously burned him. His valiant and courageous actions inevitably prevented the bomber from reaching his intended target and saved the lives of the other soldiers in the convoy.

The Governor General also addressed soldiers, cadets, members of the Foot Guards Association and families on the parade square. He is seen here with cadets.