Historically, it's been the GG's job to represent the Queen in this country. Adrienne Clarkson is the first Governor General that I can remember making foreign appearances representing Canada, and that was controversial at the time. I think that representing Canada abroad is more the job of the Prime Minister.
The PM isn't our Head of State. The GG is, and as such, does meet w/World Leaders when they pay an Official Visit to Canada. That's also being on the World Stage. Yes, the travelling the GG does is still rather a new thing, but shouldn't the role evolve as time goes on?
The biggest shock of the day for me was when I learned he's from my hometown and home area of Canada/Northeastern Ontario. Don't know why I'm surprised MCTV Sudbury never said anything this week in the lead up to today, but I was. Sad too. It's rather obvious to anyone in Northeastern Ontario that our TV News has gone downhill over the last ten years, but to screw this up? That's beyond sad. There wasn't even much mention of it during tonight's Supper Hour Broadcast. As I said, don't know why I'm shocked or surprised, but...
I loved all of the personal touches during today's Ceremony, but especially between the GG and his wife. Such as when she straightened his jacket before he sat down on the Throne after taking the oath, but my favourite was after he called her his best friend and "...the wind that fills my sails..." or something like that and she got up and gave him a pat on the back. LOL!!
One thing that both my parents and I adored though and we all hope will now become a permament part of the Investiture of a Governor General from now on? The giving of the roses from a representative of all the Provinces and Territories and then on the way back to Rideau Hall, the new GG and his wife stopping at the National War Memorial and placing the bouquet made up from those same roses on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They also observed a Moment of Silence and a Piper was there as well to pipe a Lament.
Speaking of that...Does anyone know what Lament the Piper played? It wasn't
The Lament for the Canadian Fallen, but my Dad couldn't place it. Thanks in advance if this is answered.
The best part of the entire day of the coverage though I missed, because I just couldn't wait to go to the Bathroom any longer, was the Grandkids getting to ride w/Grandpa Book and Grandma in the Landau!! I come out and see the Aide de Camp busy helping the little ones out of the Landau. Grrrr!!! They are all too adorable and loved the sight of Grandpa leaning down to help the one wee one who obviously is still a bit new to this whole walking thing to lend her a helping hand.
They call him that because he reads them a book all the time when he's w/them. Awwww!!!
BTW, his Coat of Arms was also shown/released earlier today and at the top of the shield there's five books. One is the base, w/the four others standing upright w/a candle in the middle between the four standing upright books. Each book represents his Daughters and the Candle represents the Grandchildren.
What a lovely touch for his Coat of Arms I think.
It really was a great day for someone who adores History, Pomp and the whole Ceremonial feel of it all. Really a wonderful day!!
