National Defence
A Symbol of Unity and Peace
From its earliest days, Québec City has always been a military city. The remains of its military fortifications are an excellent illustration of the city's defensive role throughout the centuries. And let us not forget that the site was originally chosen because of its commanding position overlooking the Saint Lawrence River.
The 400th anniversary of the founding of Québec City in 2008 will be an ideal opportunity for the Government of Canada to highlight the importance of the city's unique military heritage.
Québec City was once the scene of military confrontation between the two great powers that founded Canada. Today it is without question the ideal place for commemorating the French and English cultures, which together give Canada its uniqueness, strength and richness.
This is also the moment to pay tribute to our military heroes of the past and to hail the courage of today's veterans. More than 2500 soldiers, mainly from all parts of the province of Québec, have return from Afghanistan in February 2008. The Department of National Defence wishes to mark this milestone in a fitting manner.
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada and Commander in Chief of the Canadian Forces, was present in Québec City to participate in the commemoration activities, which were a moving experience that Canadians will long remember.
Military Festivity Program Schedule
The Canadian Forces are proud to present a dynamic year-long program featuring more than 20 military activities and events in honour of Québec City’s 400th anniversary.
Canadian Forces members will be present at events throughout the province in 2008, highlighting Québec City’s military heritage and the contributions made by the Canadian Forces to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is the only fortified North American city north of Mexico.
Commemorative activities currently planned for 2008 include:
Highlights
What’s been done
January 2008
- A Tribute to Visitors from the Far North, January 21–29, 2008
February 2008
- Tug-of-War and Winter Bivouac at the Quebec Winter Carnival, February 1-17, 2008
- Cadet Biathlon Demonstration during the Quebec Winter Carnival, February 9-10, 2008
April, May and June 2008
- Voltigeurs de Québec, Grand Concert, April 19, 2008
- Québec Naval Gathering, Old Port of Québec, May 29 - June 1, 2008
- Normandy Day Picnic, Lévis, May 31, 2008
- Québec International Air Show, Québec Airport, June 13-15, 2008
- Concert Under the Stars, June 30, 2008 More information
July to September 2008
- Military History Demonstrations, July 1 - August 31, 2008 More information
- Compagnie Franche de la Marine, June 24 - August 24, 2008
- Canadian Forces Kiosk in the Canada Pavilion, Espace Canada, June 14 - September 1, 2008 More information
- Canon Firing at the Citadelle, June 24 - September 1, 2008
- Red Guards, Citadelle, June 24 - September 1, 2008 More information
- The National Band of the Naval Reserve, June 24 - August 24, 2008
- Eastern Region Cadet Band at the Canada Pavilion, Space Canada, June 24 - September 1, 2008
- Military Museum Display - By Water and In Stone: Québec City's Military History, Québec Naval Museum, from July to September 2008.
- Freedom of the City Parade, July 3, 2008
- Army Cadet Reunion Day, July 26, 2008
- Grand Reunion of Youth Cadets, August 10, 2008
- Québec City's International Festival of Military Bands, August 14-24, 2008
- Twilight Concert Lévis Forts, August 16, 2008.
- Historical Treasure Hunt, September 1 to September 28, 2008.
