By Krysthle Poitras, Directorate Army Public Affairs
Ottawa, Ontario — If you have ever visited Parliament Hill in downtown Ottawa on a summer day, you may have seen the men and women of the Ceremonial Guard (CG) in scarlet uniforms with towering bearskin hats as they marched with precision to the sound of an accompanying military band.
Have you ever wondered who these people are? And did you know you could have this awesome job?
Some people may assume the ceremony is performed by actors, much like those who staff tourist attractions such as Old Fort Henry in Kingston, Ontario, but this is not so. All members of the CG are serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), many of whom have deployed on domestic and international operations.
These seasoned members perform Public Duties, including providing support to official functions held at Rideau Hall, foreign embassies and other locations around the National Capital Region with music and marching prowess. Part of a proud British tradition, these ceremonial duties have been performed for almost 60 years for the Canadian public.
The crowning glory of the summer is Fortissimo, a military and musical spectacular created for the lawns of Parliament Hill, featuring massed military bands, pipes and drums, guest performers from Canada and abroad, and, of course, the members of the CG. It is a signature event in the Nation's Capital that has drawn thousands of spectators since 1997.
Major Patrice Villeneuve, the…
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