Distinguished Canadian, Major-General Lewis MacKenzie, CM, CMM, OOnt, MSC, CD (Retired) is set to carry on a long-standing tradition by becoming the official representative to Fort Henry National Historic Site as its new Honorary Guard Commander this month, with a farewell to the Honourable Hugh D. Segal, OC, OOnt, CD, Fort Henry Guard #4, who has held the position since 2006.
With a striking repertoire of accomplishments and after a 36-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces, Major-General MacKenzie’s courageous leadership and perseverance will be significant to the morale and esprit-de-corps within the ceremonial life of the dedicated Fort Henry Guard.
A graduate of Xavier Junior College of Sydney, Nova Scotia and the University of Manitoba, he is celebrated for his lessons on leadership, years of expertise on conflict resolution and delivery of humanitarian aid under the most difficult of circumstances. During his military career, he served nine years in Germany with NATO forces and commanded peacekeeping tours of duty in the Gaza Strip, Cyprus, Cairo, Vietnam, Central America and most prominently known for his committed efforts in Sarajevo in the former Republic of Yugoslavia under the United Nations Protection Force in 1992.
He has received worldwide publicity and acclaim for his personal involvement in organizing and directing the delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid brought into Sarajevo during this period, while at the same time negotiating between the warring factions on behalf of the United Nations. This ultimately enhanced the reputation of both the United Nations and Canada.
For his lifetime achievement in protective services, Major-General MacKenzie was named a member of The Order of Canada, the country’s highest honour. He became the first Canadian, military or civilian to be awarded a second Meritorious Service Cross. He earned the respect and appreciation of many nations for his uncompromising commitment to operations, accomplished leadership, and spirited cooperation. He retired from the Canadian Armed Forces in 1993.
His book, Peacekeeper: The Road to Sarajevo, was a #1 bestseller, and the award-winning documentary based on it, A Soldier’s Peace, has aired in over 60 countries. His follow-up book, Soldiers Made Me Look Good: A Life in the Shadow of War was released to critical acclaim.
He will be serving as a role model to preserve and promote both the Fort Henry Guard and Fort Henry. A Change of Command ceremony will be streamed on Facebook Live.
Date: Thursday, January 21, 2021 Time: 5 P.M. – 5:30 P.M. EST
Link: www.facebook.com/forthenry1832
More details can be found in the full press release.