Royal Military College of Canada 2011 Graduation Ceremonies

KINGSTON, Ont. –More than 200 Officer and Naval Cadets celebrated their graduation from the Royal Military College (RMC) of Canada with several events on May 19 and 20.

The two days of events marked the end of the Cadets four years of training at RMC, and the beginning of their new careers in the Canadian Forces.

Convocation ceremony

Convocation Ceremonies were held on Thursday, May 19 at the Kingston Military Community Sports Centre Field House. The Minister of National Defence, The Honourable Peter MacKay, Chancellor of RMC presented graduating students with their Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees. Two Honorary Degrees were also presented to the former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honourable James Bartleman, and the founder of the True Patriot Love Foundation, Mr. Shaun Francis.

Commodore William Truelove, Commandant RMC, addressed the graduates.

“Well done to you,” said Cmdre Truelove. “What you have accomplished, whether at the Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate level, has demanded that you give your best and achieve the highest standards.

“No other institution in Canada makes such demands of their students – and you met them all with excellence – Bravo Zulu!”

Sunset Ceremony

Thursday evening, the traditional Sunset Ceremony was held on the RMC Parade Square. The event was opened by the Canadian Forces premier skydiving team, the SkyHawks, and included the Old 18 Historic Drill Team, the Sandhurst Military Skills Team, and dynamic performances featuring RMC`s own Brass and Reed and Pipe and Drum bands, as well as the Highland Dancers. Fireworks concluded the evening.

Graduation parade

On Friday, May 20, General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff, along with Environmental and Operational Commanders presented graduating cadets with their Officer’s Commissions in the Canadian Forces. The ceremony included a fly past by the Snowbirds Demonstration Team. The graduates then paraded through the Memorial Arch for the last time as a class.

Memorial Arch