SAINT-JEAN-SUR-RICHELIEU, QUEBEC -- (Marketwire) -- 05/21/11 -- The Royal Military College Saint-Jean received its Colours this morning from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, during a formal parade at RMC Saint-Jean, in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.
"Royal Military College Saint-Jean is an integral part of growing Canada's next generation of military leaders by providing an outstanding curriculum and by teaching the skills to serve with distinction in the Canadian Forces," stated the Minister of National Defence, The Honourable Peter MacKay. "The Colours are an important military tradition that symbolizes the loyalty and duty of paramount importance in serving Canada."
During the pristine ceremony, the RMC Saint-Jean Colours, composed of the Queen's Colours and the Royal Military College Saint-Jean Colours, were first consecrated by the Senior Chaplain of the Canadian Defence Academy, Lieutenant-Colonel Alain Guevremont, and then presented to the College by His Excellency. Officer Cadet Benjamin Legault, Cadet Wing and Parade Commander, received the Colours on behalf of the RMC Saint-Jean Commandant, Colonel Guy Maillet. The parade, which also marked the end of the academic year, was composed of officer cadets in their traditional uniforms.
"We are very honoured to have our new Colours from the Governor General," stated Colonel Guy Maillet, Commandant of the Royal Military College Saint-Jean. "Unit Colours are a symbol of our loyalty and duty to Sovereign and Country. They are highly valued and are treated with the utmost respect."
The College first received the Queen's and the College Colours in 1961. New Queen's Colours were presented in 1969 and in 1977, and new College Colours were presented in 1979. All former Colours are kept at the Fort Saint-Jean Museum on the College grounds.
The mission of RMC Saint-Jean is to train and develop top leaders who possess excellent intellectual abilities, sound leadership skills, are physically fit, and have the ability to communicate effectively in both official languages so they can assume a full-time and promising career as a commissioned officer in the Canadian Forces. Academics, Leadership, Sports and Bilingualism are the four components of achievement on which RMC Saint-Jean's curriculum is based.
Note to editors/news directors: Digital imagery of the ceremony will shortly be available at http://www.cmrsj-rmcsj.forces.gc.ca/, under the "Gallery" icon.
Contacts:
Captain Eric Le Marec
Public Affairs Officer RMC Saint-Jean
450-358-6777, ext 5736
Eric.LeMarec@forces.gc.ca
Information: 1-866-377-0811 / (613) 996-2353
www.forces.gc.ca