Mishall RehmanThe Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members chosen for the 26th iteration of the Remembrance Day Sentry Program were recently revealed.
Considered a great honour to be hand-chosen for this program, the Remembrance Day Sentry Program recognizes outstanding members of the CAF and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police who have shined in their service to Canada. The 11 chosen members were picked from a pool of candidates from across the nation.
“Each of you exemplifies our values daily through your dedication, professionalism and leadership. As we solemnly remember generations of brave Canadians who fought to preserve our peace and freedom, we also acknowledge your unwavering commitment, exceptional performance and selfless service to Canadians today. We thank you for embodying the very best of who we are and for your continued service,” said Chief of the Defence Staff, Jennie Carignan, who announced this year’s honoured Sentries.
Chosen Soldiers
The chosen military personnel were handpicked based on certain criteria such as deployment experience, community involvement, physical fitness, and their record of conduct, according to the Department of National Defence.
The military personnel will participate in the Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial on Remembrance Day.
“To be nominated and selected for the Remembrance Day Sentry Program is an incredible honour. From all the nominations received from across the country, you have been recognized for your outstanding performance and unwavering dedication. I speak for all Canadians in expressing our sincere admiration for the participants selected for this year’s Remembrance Day Sentry Program. Congratulations,” said LGen. Lise Bourgon, Commander, Military Personnel Command, in a statement.
National War Memorial Sentries
The group will be led by Sgt. K. James from CFB Winnipeg, who represents the Royal Canadian Air Force and will serve as the Sentry Commander.
The remainder of the chosen personnel are the following:
- Ms J. Garcia from CFB Esquimalt will represent the Royal Canadian Navy as the Royal Canadian Navy Sentry;
- MCpl. J. Steel from CFB Petawawa will represent CANSOFCOM as the Special Operations Forces Sentry;
- Mbdr K. Nicol-Charette from 4th Canadian Division Training Centre Meaford will represent the Canadian Army as the Canadian Army Sentry;
- Sgt. C. Streeter from Happy Valley Goose Bay Detachment will represent the RCMP as the RCMP Sentry;
- Capt. K. Nguyen from 1 Canadian Field Office Montreal will represent MILPERSCOM as Nursing Officer;
- Cpl. L. Mullens from CFB Edmonton will serve as special guest to the Chief of the Defence Staff;
- MCpl. L.Kamenawatamin from Bearskin Lake Canadian Ranger Patrol will represent the Canadian Army as the Canadian Ranger Sentry;
- MCpl. P.George from CFB Edmonton will represent the Indigenous Council as the Eagle Staff Bearer;
- Cpl. M. Horava from the Central Band Ottawa will serve as Directorate of History and Heritage Musician Bugler;
- MCpl. T. Reid from Central Band Ottawa will serve as Directorate of History and Heritage Musician piper.
About the Program
The Remembrance Day Sentry Program was established in 1998 for the Department of National Defence to publicly acknowledge Regular Force, Reserve Force and RCMP officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.
In the years since, the program has expanded to include a Canadian Ranger, an Eagle Staff Bearer, an Eagle Staff Carrier, a Bugler and a Piper.
According to the Department of National Defence, the DND/CAF Eagle staff “is a sacred symbol that carries great cultural importance and embodies the deep respect and connection between Indigenous cultures and the CAF.” It is meant to recognize the contributions of Indigenous members to Canada’s military history.
