Canadian Armed Forces bid farewell to David Johnston
Posted Sep 27, 2017 02:59:55 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Cannons fired and two CF-18 fighter jets roared over Ottawa this morning, as departing Governor General David Johnston received military honours to commemorate the end of his mandate.
The Canadian Armed Forces paid tribute to their 28th commander-in-chief during a special ceremony at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, anchored by the 21-gun salute, a fly-past, and 100-person Guard of Honour.
Lt. Col Martin Gagne says salutes have been fired for many centuries, adding it’s tradition and custom that a royal salute consist of 21 rounds.
“This is a great opportunity to thank our commander-in-chief for everything he has done over the last seven years,” Gagne says.
Johnston then inspected the guard and delivered his last speech to military members, where he spoke of the enormous privilege of wearing their uniform.
He says one of the first questions he was asked as governor general was whether he would wear their uniform on Remembrance Day.
“In fact I felt I should not wear the uniform on that first Remembrance Day of my mandate,” says Johnston. “I felt it was an honour that must be earned, just as all you have earned it.”
Johnston officially leaves Rideau Hall on October 2nd.
