...of the 62nd Field Artillery Regiment (RCA), Shawinigan, Quebec Canada. (http://www.shawinigan.ca/)
The Change of Command is now behind us and what a great day it was! Perfect weather, perfect parade and ceremony and perfect reception - couldn’t have asked for better.
We were on the road before sunrise as there was much to do before the 14:00 event.
Stopped for our usual road-trip breakfast and arrived at the unit a little before 08:00.
Major Pig busied himself in Francois' new office with a photo shoot while Francois was downstairs in the parade square getting ready for the morning events.
little Pig...big dreams
Pig and the swords
Pig & 'Boney'
original sculpture/clock belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte
donated to the unit by Ben Weider (minus the pig of course)
The troops and band gathered around 10:00 for a brief presentation of awards, promotions and medals for those returning from Afghanistan – followed by more practice.
Francois addressing the troops
Francois & his RSM
I escaped for a short while to meet some of the guests at a local restaurant for a bit of lunch then back to the regiment to change into something less comfortable (sad that Lululemon isn’t regarded as appropriate attire for ‘tenue de ville’)....nice suit and pretty shoes all the same.
I met Francois in the salon for a brief chat with the ‘distingués invités’ then it was time for the festivities to begin. Really impressive ceremony with military music and troops marching.
As Ben Weider was the former honorary Colonel of the unit several of the soldiers were dressed in the traditional uniform of Troop Weider which made a colourful contrast to the sea of green. (http://www.napoleonicsociety.com/english/jobina.htm )
The change of command was marked by the handover of the ceremonial sword and the signing of the official documents
(quick reference to the post of Tuesday, August 9 entitled ‘SHOPPING and the TOP SECRET gift for Francois.
Mont Blanc Solitaire Meisterstück
I didn’t get the Christian Louboutin shoes but my master and commander got a VERY nice instrument with which to sign the special papers. So I may never know what it would be like to run like Gwyneth Paltrow in 5” stilettos in that scene from Ironman – Francois’ fantasy (and mine) will have to wait for another time).
A reception in the Officers’ Mess followed the ceremony where the wine flowed; hors d’oeuvres were served by circulating waiters and guests mingled.
Francois rented a car for the weekend as he had meetings and another Change of Command in Quebec City Saturday. I do love the upgrades...
As I said.....perfect!
''a job well done, right sir?''
PS Thanks to all who attended (some from considerable distance). Thanks to all who sent messages ...and a special thanks to two special people who sent a congratulatory picture...
You all helped make this an exceptional day.
