Although the day was overcast, it looked like the rain would hold off until the Change of Command ceremony for the new Commander of the Canadian Army on Parliament Hill was done. However, looks are deceiving and just as the ceremony started, the rain started to fall. Mostly it was spitting and moved up to a drizzle, but sometimes it came down harder. Well, if you join the Army, you get to play in the mud.
On Thursday the 14th the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Jonathan Vance, presided over the changing of the Commander of the Canadian Army from LGen Marquis Hainse to LGen Paul Wynnyk. The event was attended more generals/admirals than you could shake a stick at and a substantial number of the military attachés from around town. Many of the public who gathered to watch the 10 o’clock changing of the Ceremonial Guard on Parliament Hill were also spectators as the Guard was part of the ceremony. LGen Hainse was accompanied by his wife, Traci, and LGen Wynnyk was with his wife, mother and children. Also in attendance were Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hogan from Edmonton with their little Yorkshire Terrier, Charlie. Mr. Hogan was LGen Wynnyk’s barber in Edmonton and drove all the way down for the ceremony. A shame the day wasn’t better.
There were the standard speeches about what a good job everyone has done but Gen. Vance made mention of the upcoming commitment of Canadian troops to Latvia and mention was made of another upcoming operation in Africa. Join the Forces and see the world!
To see all the pictures, CLICK HERE
