Governor General Visits Sudbury!

Yesterday was a busy day in Sudbury with everyone preparing for the Governor General's visit. Luckily Kevin and I were working and we had two opportunities to see her during the day. Just a random fact: I love taking pictures and I usually take tons, so I'll be including lots in my blog, just for future reference.

Tom Davies Square was really busy yesterday morning since the Governor General was expected to arrive at 9:15 am. There were people everywhere as everyone tried to get a good view for when she arrived. Also, there were many different media setting up, children were arriving to sing for her, the honour guard was getting ready, and a string quartet was playing. So, as you can see, there was no shortage of activity.

For a little behind the scenes look, here are some pictures of everyone getting ready for the Governor General's arrival.

Things were running just a little behind schedule and anticipation was running high. She arrived with all her vehicles at 9:25 and the picture taking began! She entered with Mayor John Rodriguez and posed for photos. She is very beautiful in person and seems to be quite friendly. Then the children sang "O Canada" to her in both official languages. They did a terrific job! She circled the area meeting various people and then she and the Mayor sat down so she could sign the city's guestbook. I had an extremely lucky moment as there was a hole in the photographer's surrounding them and I was able to get a lot of clear closeups of her signing the book! That was really exciting since I never thought that it could happen with so many people around!

After she signed, the honour guard left and then she left shortly thereafter. However, when she and the Mayor were leaving, there was a small problem with the elevator, so they came back and spoke to the string quartet before the elevator was finally ready to take them upstairs. To see all the highlights, watch the youtube video that Kevin and I made at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iIW9MvRiF4

Kevin and I were able to see her once more yesterday. We decided to go to Laurentian University in the afternoon to see the unveiling of the coat of arms and to hear her speak. We arrived early and were able to get good spots. It was lucky that we did since it did not take long for the Great Hall to become packed with people of all ages. It was so full, you could not really move. It's lucky that I'm not claustrophobic! They were running a bit late, so the ceremony did not start until 2:30 but I got to tak to some interesting people while I was waiting. Some were alumni of Laurentian while others had children that went to Laurentian. There was also a band to provide music for us while we were waiting.

Finally, the pipe band entered followed by the Governor General. The president of Laurentian, Dominic Giroux, started the ceremony by speaking of Laurentian, it's accomplishments, and some of the university's future endeavours. Some of the pictures that I took during the ceremony turned out dark because of where I was standing, however I posted to best ones and hope that you can make them out!

Next came the unveiling of the coat of arms. The Chief Herald spoke before the unveiling and then the Governor General unveiled the coat of arms.

After the unveiling, the Governor General spoke at the ceremony. She took the stage and talked about her recent trip to Haiti and the work that needs to be done there, especially in instituting a new education system. She went on the further highlight the importance of education for everyone, especially at the current moment due to the economy. Thus, also highlighting the importance of Laurentian. I really enjoyed listening to her speak as it is a totally different experience hearing her first hand as opposed to on television.
After the ceremony was completed, there was the chance for everyone to meet the Governor General. Kevin and I tried to, but the crowds were huge. We waited for over twenty minutes but then we gave up because we had to get going. It was still pretty exciting since we got so close to her and managed to get these pictures:

So that concludes our exciting day of following the Governor General around town! I hope everyone found it as interesting as we did!