Annual Inspection of the Ceremonial Guard

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, received the Viceregal salute.

His Excellency performed the inspection of the Ceremonial Guard on the grounds of Rideau Hall.

The Ceremonial Guard performs a variety of public duties in Ottawa between late June and the end of August. In addition to sentry duty at Rideau Hall, they perform in the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony on Parliament Hill at 10:00 a.m.; on sentry duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; in the mounting of guards of honour during visits by dignitaries; and in public concerts, military functions or other ceremonies throughout the National Capital Region.

"What a fantastic display!", said His Excellency. "The pageantry and precision of the Ceremonial Guard never fails to impress me. This year is no exception. As commander-in-chief, I commend you for the hard work you have put into this day, and I am delighted to witness your devotion to duty and the respect you have for tradition."

Over the course of the summer, visitors can come to Rideau Hall and witness the pageantry, precision and colour of the Relief of the Sentries, which runs from June 26 to August 26, every hour, on the hour, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Ceremonial Guard is comprised of members of the Regular and Reserve Force of the Canadian Forces. The Band is recruited from universities, conservatories and reserve bands across the country.

Following the event, His Excellency spoke to the women and men of the Ceremonial Guard.

The Ceremonial Guard is a composite unit from over 30 regiments and branches of the Canadian Forces. The Ceremonial Guard traces its origins back to 1959 when the Regiment of Canadian Guards first performed Public Duties on Parliament Hill and at Rideau Hall. The Primary Reserve assumed responsibility for Ottawa's Public Duties from the Regular Force in 1970.