Johnston’s big day
Posted Sep 27, 2010 02:40:30 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
When David Johnston is sworn in as the new Governor General this Friday, the ceremony will have some personal touches.
It was revealed during a media briefing today the outgoing President of the University of Waterloo, and his wife, have made three specific requests for changes to the ceremony at the Senate in Ottawa.
The theme of the ceremony will be “A Call to Service,” and as all Governor General Designates can, the Johnstons have made additions or alterations to the ceremony to reflect their own interpretation of the theme of their swearing-in.
First, when Dr. and Mrs. Johnston arrive at Centre Block, the Hall of Honour will be lined with thirteen Canadians, ranging from veterans of Afghanistan and the Second World War, to a pee-wee hockey player, and an as yet unidentified Canadian Olympic champion.
Each of the thirteen — one from each province and territory — will present Dr. and Mrs. Johnston with a rose.
Second, after Johnston is sworn in, he will be greeted by 143 “past and future leaders” of the country — normally the Governor General would be greeted by present leaders, like the Lieutenant Governors of the provinces.
Of those 143, one for each year of Canada’s history, the “past” leaders will be veterans; the “future” leaders will be children.
Third, Dr. and Mrs. Johnston will then proceed by RCMP escort to the War Memorial, where they will lay the twenty-six roses they were given at the start of the ceremony on the Grave of the Unknown Soldier.
The regular features of the Friday ceremony will include military salutes, a speech by the Prime Minister, and the presentation of the Coat of Arms.
The day will conclude with a private reception for the Johnstons.
570 News will be in Ottawa to provide coverage of the ceremony at the Senate.
