Visit to Two Historic Canadian Regiments in Montréal
His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, addressed the Canadian Grenadier Guards Regiment and then unveiled the Armoury’s cornerstone (the original was laid 99 years ago), and planted the first commemorative tree located in front of the building.
Sat, 09/29/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0517-001
Following the unveiling, His Excellency met with cadets from The Black Watch.
Sat, 09/29/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0519-003
Joined by the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada (left), and in the presence of the Regiment’s members and their families, the Governor General unveiled the plaque.
Sat, 09/29/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0519-002
His Excellency attended the official Designation of Black Watch Armoury as National Historic Site: “One of the wonderful things about this armoury is the degree to which its history is intertwined with that of the Black Watch regiment, and with that of Montréal. As this new heritage designation emphasizes, it was the people of this city who came together to construct this building—just as it was the people of Montréal and area who initially formed and joined the Royal Highland Regiment.”
Sat, 09/29/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0519-001
His Excellency with the Honorary Colonel of the Black Watch, Colonel Dan O’Connor.
Sat, 09/29/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0518-005
The parade concluded with a feu de joie.
Sat, 09/29/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0518-004
His Excellency also delivered a speech: “The Black Watch has a long and distinguished record of service to Canada—one that continues to the present day. Just this summer, your reservists were on duty at Rideau Hall and Parliament Hill, as part of the Ceremonial Guard that serves as such an important touchstone of our heritage as Canadians. Allow me to take this opportunity to thank you for your contributions to this wonderful summer tradition.”
Sat, 09/29/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0518-003
The parade was held in Jeanne-Mance Park, in Montréal.
Sat, 09/29/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0518-002
His Excellency conducted the inspection of the guard of honour at the Black Watch’s 150th anniversary parade.
Sat, 09/29/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0518-001
During his visit to the Canadian Grenadier Guards Armoury, His Excellency met with some of it members who were deployed overseas.
Sat, 09/29/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0517-004
As colonel of the Regiment, the Governor General participated in the opening of a 100-year-old time capsule discovered during the restoration of the building in December 2011.
Sat, 09/29/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0517-003
In addition, His Excellency toured the Regiment’s museum where he had the opportunity to meet with family members of Private John Francis Young, who served with the 87th Canadian Grenadier Guards Battalion and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during WWI, as well as view this military decoration on display.
Sat, 09/29/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0517-002
Born in the shadow of the American Civil War, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada has been awarded battle of honours for the Defence of Canada in the War of 1812, in the Boer War, both World Wars, and has served with NATO forces and United Nations peacekeeping duty. Since 1970, trained Primary Reserve Black Watch infantry soldiers have augmented Regular Force personnel in overseas deployments to such places as Cyprus, the Golan Heights, Bosnia, Haiti and most recently Afghanistan.
Sat, 09/29/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0519-004