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Gen. Jonathan Vance, chief of the defence staff, and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) community bid farewell to His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and commander-in-chief of Canada, during an official ceremony on Sept. 27, 2017 at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.
“It is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to our commander-in-chief, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston. Both he and Her Excellency Sharon Johnston have made the welfare of our women and men of the CAF one of their foremost priorities,” said Vance. “Over the past seven years, they have freely and selflessly given their time in support of those of us in uniform, whether here in Canada or overseas. It has been an honour and a privilege to know them, and I offer them my sincerest thanks for their tireless service.”
In appreciation of his outstanding support and dedicated service to the CAF, the ceremony consisted of military honours including a CF-18 flypast; a 21-gun salute and a 100-person guard of honour.
His Excellency served as the CAF commander-in-chief for seven years. During his appointment, the Governor General made it a priority to support military members and their families through various initiatives and activities.
The ceremony was attended by Vance, the CAF CWO Kevin West, along with the Governor General’s spouse, Her Excellency Sharon Johnston, Honorary Captain (Navy) of the Military Personnel Command.
“Serving as commander-in-chief has been a wonderful journey for me. It has also been a journey for my wife, Sharon, who was named an honorary naval captain for her work in supporting military families to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness. Both of us are grateful for having been welcomed into the CAF family. It is a remarkable family consisting of remarkable people. Together, you serve Canada with a profound sense of duty and honour,” said Johnston.
