Some talk of Alexander, and some of Hercules, but these days there’s none that can compare with the dedicated students who comprise the Fort Henry Guard of 2024.
The Drums, Squad, and Domestic Interpreters are filling Fort Henry with the familiar sounds of fifes and drums, rifle and artillery fire, school bells and voices of command. The first performance of the summer is just a week away.
Speaking of Hector and Lysander, the rebuilding of the Guard has been no small effort on the part of the SLPC and Fort management. And the FHG Foundation has provided meaningful support through the Commitment to Excellence Award, which recognizes the hard work of the dedicated students who have returned to take on leadership roles.
Thanks to donations from many former Guard, the Foundation has awarded close to $35,000 to returning staff over the past two years. I can’t tell you how proud I felt when we surprised the 2022 Guard with these cash awards at the annual awards night, and how much of a difference it made in retaining experienced staff in 2023.
Won’t you help us continue to recognize the vital efforts of these young leaders by supporting these awards again in 2024?
And, your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar by a generous former Guard (and proud member of the Squad), up to a total of $8,000! Thanks to their lead gift and your donation, the staff who came back to the Fort this summer will know just how steady we Old Guard are in our support.
To have your donation doubled, please choose one of the payment options outlined on our Donate page. And remember that you’ll receive a 2024 tax receipt for your donation.
Every contribution, large or small, helps sustain the tradition of excellence that has existed at Fort Henry for decades. Thank you for giving today!
Mark Staveley recently made a special presentation at Seattle’s Fire Station 37, and he invited us to share a copy of his speech. Mark (FHG 1655) was a member of the Guard in the 1990s, and last October, he had a sudden cardiac arrest while walking between Amazon buildings in downtown Seattle. His story is quite remarkable, and we’re so happy that Mark is doing well and wanted to share this with members of the Guard Club.
Mark Staveley presents an FHG challenge coin to Firefighter Jay Roughton. Photo: Firedog Photos
Good morning members of Seattle Fire. Please allow me to introduce myself, my name is Mark Staveley and I am a Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor. I was saved by members of Seattle Fire on October 24th 2023 who responded to the 911 call that was made on my behalf, as I collapsed in the street walking between Amazon buildings at the close of my workday.
Firefighter Jay Roughton was the first on the scene, and he quickly realized that the initial call diagnosis of head injury and possible overdose was incorrect. I was agonal breathing and life-saving CPR was initiated – upgrading my call to a MED7.
I am here speaking with you today in part as a sudden cardiac arrest survivor, but also as a former member of the Fort Henry Guard. Founded in 1938, the Fort Henry Guard is a ceremonial guard unit that is based out of Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
The Guard is renowned for how they bring to life the military drill and tactics of the mid-1800’s. The Guard has performed at numerous events and ceremonies in Canada and abroad since its founding, most notably the Royal Tournament in England, and with the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, the Commandant’s Own Drum and Bugle Corps, and Battle Color Detachment at Marine Barracks 8th and I in Washington D.C.
The cross-border military friendship between the Fort Henry Guard and the United States Marine Corps started in 1954 as both units were brought together to honor the Ogdensburg agreement that was signed in 1940. The Ogdensburg Agreement was a document signed in 1940 by President Roosevelt and Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King, binding Canada and the United States committing to the joint defense of North America.
Since then, the special friendship between the Fort Henry Guard and the United States Marine Corps has grown. There are regular cross-border trips between Fort Henry and Marine Barracks Washington D.C. where these two units parade together.
One of my most significant memories of my time in the Guard was being on parade and inspected by General Mundy who was the 30th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps.
You may not realize this, but I’m not the only one here today with a connection to the United States Marine Corps. Firefighter Jay Roughton was a Sgt with the United States Marine Corps, 1st Marine Division.
I was kind of blown away when I found this out, as a former member of the Fort Henry Guard and knowing the special bond that we have with the United States Marine Corps, and to then to have my life saved by a Marine was an extra level of connection and significance that wasn’t lost on me.
Like many different military units, the Fort Henry Guard has various traditions. One of these traditions is to issue a Fort Henry Guard Challenge Coin to each member of the Fort Henry Guard. On one side is the Fort Henry Guard regimental crest, and on the other side is the person’s Guard Number.
Normally, the only way to get one of these coins is to be a member of the Fort Henry Guard. However, I talked to the Fort Henry Guard Club about my story. Explaining how my life was saved by Jay and his connection to the United States Marine Corps. An exception was made, and a second Fort Henry Guard coin was issued with my Guard number on it for Firefighter Roughton.
On behalf of the Fort Henry Guard, and the Fort Henry Guard Club I would like to present this coin to Firefighter Roughton, and extend to you their sincerest and most heart-felt appreciation for saving my life.
Please be advised that the Fort Henry Guard Club of Canada’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 4:30 pm. As with previous years, members can participate in person at Fort Henry’s Great Hall, or online via Zoom. Registration details will be shared shortly.
For a copy of this year’s FHGCC nomination list, please click here.
We were saddened to learn of the passing of David Masotti (FHG 1180) on May 23, 2024 in Toronto at the age of 61.
Dave joined the Fort Henry Guard in 1982 while studying Electrical Engineering at Queen’s University. A few years later, he pursued an MBA at Harvard University, and then embarked on a remarkable career as an entrepreneur and business leader. Named to Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, his many accomplishments included being President of Rogers Telecom and President and COO of Chemtrade Logistics. Dave also volunteered on numerous boards, and was a mentor to many up-and-coming entrepreneurs.
We extend our sincere condolences to Dave’s family and friends, and to those who marched beside him in the 1980s.
The Fort Henry Guard Club of Canada and St. Lawrence Parks Commission announced that the distinguished Canadian engineer and community leader Annette Bergeron has been named the new Honorary Commander of the Fort Henry Guard. Ms. Bergeron will succeed Major-General Lewis MacKenzie, who has held the position since 2021.
A recognized national leader in the field of engineering, Ms. Bergeron has demonstrated an inspirational commitment to public service through leadership in the highest offices of her profession. She is a past president of Professional Engineers Ontario, the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers, and Engineers Canada, and a former chair of the board of the Electrical Safety Authority. An active contributor to the Greater Kingston community, she has served as chair of several committees at Kingston General Hospital and is a past General Manager of the Queen’s Alma Mater Society.
Ms. Bergeron has received numerous honours and awards for her contributions at the community, provincial, and national level. These include the 2023 Office of the Order of Honour for Professional Engineers Ontario, a 2020 Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, a 2018 Fellowship at the Canadian Academy of Engineering, 2018 Ontario Volunteer Service Award, Top 25 Women of Influence-Canada, among many others.
“The Honorary Guard Commander plays an important role in inspiring and advocating for the Fort Henry Guard, and we are delighted to see such a strong leader taking on this role,” said Michael Murphy, President of the Fort Henry Guard Club of Canada. “On behalf of the former Guard who have worn the uniform during the past eighty-six years, I want to extend a warm welcome and hearty congratulations to Annette Bergeron as she becomes our sixth Honorary Guard Commander.”
“Fort Henry is proud to have Ms. Bergeron, a two-time Woman of Influence and champion of the city of Kingston join the Fort Henry Guard as its new Honorary Guard Commander,” said Geoff Waycik, Director of Historic Sites, St. Lawrence Parks Commission. “She brings with her a connection to the community that exemplifies the type of integrated role the Fort can play in this city and we look forward to benefitting from her leadership.”
A Change of Command ceremony will be scheduled early in Fort Henry’s 2024 summer season.
Past Honorary Guard Commanders:
The position of Honorary Guard Commander of the Fort Henry Guard began in 1955 in recognition of General Lemuel C. Shepherd, then Commandant of the United States Marine Corps. General Shepherd was a significant force behind fostering the unique relationship between the Fort Henry Guard and the United States Marine General Shepherd was awarded Guard number FHG #1 and served as Honorary Commander of the Fort Henry Guard until his death on August 8, 1990.
FHG #2 and former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honourable Henry N.R. Jackman, became the second Honorary Commander of the Fort Henry Guard. He served in this capacity from 1992 until May 2003 and now has Guard Commander Emeritus status.
The Honourable Peter Milliken, Speaker of the House of Commons and M.P. for Kingston and the Islands, FHG #3, served from 2003 to 2006 and also has Guard Commander Emeritus status.
The Honourable Hugh Segal, who served in the Canadian Senate from 2005 to 2014, FHG #4, was Honorary Guard Commander from 2006 until 2020, and continued as Guard Commander Emeritus until he passed away last year.
The outgoing Honorary Guard Commander, FHG #5, is Major-General Lewis MacKenzie. General MacKenzie served 36 years in the Canadian Armed Forces and received the Order of Canada and two Meritorious Service Crosses in recognition of his leadership and commitment to cooperation. General MacKenzie will continue to hold Guard Commander Emeritus status.
We are saddened to learn that David Vrooman, FHG 513, passed away on January 31 at the age of 81. Martin Blaser, FHG 1022, shared some memories of Dave via Facebook:
Dave received his guard number in 1961 and was one of the few among us to attend the Royal Tournament held at Earls Court exhibition building in London England. Dave once told us “Queen’s Meds and football were a large part of the Squad and U of T music students were a major part of the Drums” during his time with the Guard. “We were very lucky in our timing to be a part of the Royal Tournament experience.”
Here’s a photo of Dave and some of his comrades on the plane heading to London in 1963, with Dave sitting left front, Bob Lawrence (FHG 524) sitting directly behind Dave, Lawrie Garnett ( FHG 436) sitting right front, Paul Munroe ( FHG 480) on the right side in the dark t-shirt and Dick Gates (FHG 498) standing waving his arms.
We extend our condolences to Dave’s wife Rosemary, their four children, and seven grandchildren.
Dr. Richard James, FHG 298, passed away on December 19, 2023 at the age of 92.
Dick joined the Fort Henry Guard in 1955, and was a member of the winning Armstrong Gun team in 1958. During his studies at Queen’s University, he was also a member of the Queens Comets and the Golden Gaels Football Team. Dick practiced medicine for 50 years, and was Amhertsview’s first doctor, establishing the Amherstview Medical Center.
Dick James pictured with fellow Fort Henry Guard Wally Mellor (FHG 296), Ron Stewart (FHG 280), Gary Schreider (FHG 279) and Bill Surphlis (FHG 272)
We extend our sincere condolences to Dick’s Sally, and his many family and friends.
We are saddened to learn of the passing of the Honourable Hugh D. Segal, OC, OOnt, CD. Hugh, FHG #4, was the Fort Henry Guard’s Honorary Commander from 2006 to 2021, and he was a wonderful advocate and champion for the Guard during his many years of service. We offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
The Honourable Hugh Segal has for many years observed the unique and strong character of the Guard and a wonderful advocate he has been. Hugh has faithfully attended the Guard’s annual Awards Ceremony, providing inspiration and sage advice that was always so keenly absorbed by young and impressionable minds; an opportunity and an honour that was so deeply appreciated. Hugh, we sincerely thank you for your faithful and dedicated service to the Guard since 2006. You are a dear friend whom we all will miss very much, although we hope you will continue to visit the Fort and support the Guard by your presence from time to time. We wish you all the best going forward.
Remarks from FHGCC Past President Michelle Foxton, FHG 1670, at the 2021 Change of Command Ceremony
You can read an interview with Hugh that appeared in The Guardsman in 2007 here.
