Canadian Forces Members to Stand Sentry on Remembrance Day

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 7, 2012) - From November 7 to 11, 2012, six Canadian Forces members and a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police will participate in the Remembrance Day Sentry Program in Ottawa.

"The men and women of the Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have contributed so much to this country through their hard work both at home and abroad," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. "These members are truly deserving of the esteem that comes with being selected to this unique program."

Created in 1998, the Remembrance Day Sentry Program recognizes outstanding Regular and Reserve Force sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen of the Canadian Forces, as well as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, for their dedication, professionalism and performance. Members are nominated by their respective environments, with selections based on various factors, including deployment experience, community involvement, physical fitness and deportment.

"I congratulate the seven Canadian Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police members who were selected from across Canada to participate in the 2012 Remembrance Day Sentry Program," said General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff. "They were chosen for their dedication to service and their professionalism. We can all be proud they will be serving as sentries during our national Remembrance Day Ceremony."

This year, the members selected for this distinct honour are: Sergeant Guillaume Page, Sentry Commander; Master Seaman James Anthony, Royal Canadian Navy Sentry; Master Corporal Bradley Bruneau, Canadian Army Sentry; Master Corporal James Sceviour, Royal Canadian Air Force Sentry; Constable Erik Dubois, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sentry; Captain Stephanie Smith, Nursing Officer; and Master Corporal Ken Somerset, Special Guest to the Chief of the Defence Staff.

"Participants are selected for this program as an acknowledgement of their hard work and accomplishments," said Rear-Admiral Andrew Smith, Chief of Military Personnel. "These members have earned this distinct honour, and will get to be part of something that they will always cherish."

On November 11, Master Seaman Anthony, Master Corporal Bruneau and Master Corporal Sceviour (representing each the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force), as well as Constable Dubois, will stand sentry at the National War Memorial in Ottawa as part of the official national Remembrance Day ceremony. Sergeant Page will act as the Sentry Commander, overseeing the sentries, and Captain Smith as the Nursing Officer (representing the Nursing Sisters), supporting the sentries. Master Corporal Somerset is the Special Guest to the Chief of the Defence Staff and will accompany him during the Remembrance Day parade.

The five-day program will see the seven members participate in various other activities, including the Chief of the Defence Staff-hosted Silver Cross Mother's Luncheon, a visit to the Canadian War Museum and the Royal Canadian Legion Dominion President's Luncheon.

Note to editors/news directors: For more information, member biographies, member photos or interview requests, please contact the Department of National Defence Media Liaison Office at 1-866-377-0811 or (613) 996-2353.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Information: 1-866-377-0811/613-996-2353
www.forces.gc.ca