File:NFB Photostory 340 - Canada's 19th Governor-General Since Confederation His Excellency, The Rt. Hon. Georges P. Vanier.jpg

English: As Dominion Day pageantry on Parliament Hill in Ottawa culminates in the ceremonial march past by crack units of Canada's armed forces, many memories must pass through the mind of the tall, upright figure at the saluting base. His Excellency, Major-General, the Rt. Hon. Georges P. Vanier, D.S.O., M.C., C.D. -- Canada's Governor-General and Com-mander-in-Chief -- can look back on a varied, adventuresome life . . . Long years as a young officer amid the mud, smoke and trenches of France, three decades of overseas duty in the diplomatic service, his exciting escape in a small fishing boat, just ahead of the panzer divisions, from continental Europe (where he had been Canadian Minister to France), and subsequent rescue at sea by a Canadian destroyer. Other recollections might be of Allied landings in North Africa or of his appointment as first Canadian Ambassador to the new France which arose in the wake of the German retreat. A cultured, distinguished, military man from Quebec, Canada's Governor-General is a friendly, family man. Ever ready to look on the humorous side of life, he meets people warmly, without undue formality. Ideally suited as the representative of Her Majesty, the duties of His Excellency include making welcome visiting heads of state and receiving foreign dignitaries. Georges P. Vanier assumes with natural grace his awesome task of symbolizing to the world the many facets, cultures and ideals which make up the Canadian national character, is a symbol for Canadians of national unity on the 96th birthday of Confederation.