July 1, 2019
This summer, celebrate your history at the colourful RCMP Sunset-Retreat Ceremony presented by RCMP Academy, ‘Depot’ Division. Join us for this FREE, bilingual Canadian Signature Experience starting on Canada Day (July 1st) and the five following Tuesday nights.
The Ceremony includes the Cadet marching band, a canon drill, the lowering of the Canadian flag, the March Past, and RCMP Cadets performing dismounted cavalry drills while dressed in the famous scarlet tunic.
Admission to this event is FREE. Free parking is available at the RCMP Heritage Centre, including bus and motor coach parking. From there, it is a short walk to the Sleigh Square.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early and must be seated by 6:30pm for the start of the Sunset Retreat Ceremony.
Individuals who require additional assistance should arrive early so staff can ensure a spot on one of the wheelchair accessible people movers to escort you.
This is an outdoor event so please dress accordingly and please bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. In the case of inclement weather, events will be cancelled.
Announcements will be made on our social media, so be sure to follow us!
History of the Sunset-Retreat Ceremony
This ceremony is an old British military tradition dating back to the 18th century, and is referred to as a “military tattoo”. The term “tattoo”, derived from an old Dutch word meaning “turn off the taps”, comes to us from the 17th century when a soldier’s life was strictly controlled by his regiment. The daily routine of a military post was signaled by the beat of a drum.
At sunset, a lone drummer was sent into the streets of town to beat out a tattoo. It was the signal for the tavern owners to close down for the night and for military personnel to return to the post. When the latter were back at the post, the flag was lowered in a ceremony marking the end of another day.
Dates/Times for 2019
Sunset-Retreat Ceremonies are performed on the following dates:
- July 1 (Monday)
- July 9, 16, 23, 30 (Tuesdays)
- August 6, 13 (Tuesdays)
Sunset-Retreat Ceremonies are a Canadian Signature Experience.
