Master Sailor Jed Garcia says he is truly honoured to be selected as a sentry representing the Royal Canadian Navy at the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa on Monday.
Garcia, who works in information services at CFB Esquimalt, will stand at the National War Memorial along with 11 other sentries representing the army, air force, special operations, Rangers, RCMP and others.
“I’m very excited, very proud to be nominated for this opportunity,” Garcia said in an interview from Ottawa. “It is a privilege to represent the Indigenous people of Canada, the Royal Canadian Navy and my family this Remembrance Day. We are paying tribute to those currently serving, our veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”
Garcia, 33, was born in the Philippines and emigrated to Canada as a 13-year-old in 2004. He has been posted to several Royal Canadian Navy ships and received two medals — a Special Service Medal while deployed on Operation Caribbe to find illegal drugs in the Americas and Mexico, and an Operational Service Medal while deployed on Operation Projection, an international mission of exercises in Asia.
A weapons engineer technician, he currently serves as a naval communications services technician, supporting secure communication and equipment for navy ships at sea.
Twelve individuals are selected from across the country each year to serve as sentries during the National Remembrance Day Ceremony — 11 Canadian Armed Forces members and one RCMP member.
Garcia, who enlisted in the navy at age 19 and has been posted in Esquimalt since 2012, will be wearing his naval black and white uniform.
Each sentry is selected based on their dedication, performance and professionalism, which can include deployment experience, community involvement, record of conduct or physical fitness.
The other B.C. sentry is Master Cpl. Sheri-Lea Gee, 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group from Valemount, who will be acting as an Eagle Staff carrier.
The Department of National Defence said the Eagle Staff serves as a reminder of the contributions of Indigenous members to Canada’s military history and ongoing service.
Gen. Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staff, said being chosen as a sentry on the solemn day is an honour.
“Each of you exemplifies our values daily through your dedication, professionalism and leadership,” said Carignan. “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.”
The Remembrance Day Sentry Program started in 1998 as a way to recognize outstanding Canadian Armed Forces members. The program has been expanded to include a Canadian Ranger, an Eagle Staff Bearer, an Eagle Staff Carrier, a Bugler and a Piper.
Meanwhile, the Royal Canadian Air Force will conduct flypasts for several Remembrance Day ceremonies across Canada on Monday.
On the Island, people in the Comox Valley, Campbell River and Qualicum Beach will see either a Hercules aircraft or a Cormorant helicopter fly overhead.
In Nanaimo and Lantzville, the air force will fly over with an Aurora long-range patrol plane. In Sidney, a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter is expected to fly over services.
The Department of National Defence did not provide specific times for when the aircraft would be overhead, but said depending on weather conditions, it will be generally around 11 a.m.
The aircraft will fly over the events at an altitude no lower than 500 feet above the highest obstacle on their routes, said the DND in a statement. “Flypasts by Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft are carefully planned and closely controlled for public safety and are dependent upon weather and flying conditions.”
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