Military and police ceremonies

List of ceremonies by location

Australia 1 Australian War Memorial (North Canberra). The Last Post Ceremony is held here every evening at 4:45PM, paying tribute to one of the soldiers on the memorial's Roll of Honour just before the memorial is closed to the public for the day. On the first and third Wednesday of the month from February to November, Australia's Federation Guard mounts a catafalque party at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier, and also performs a military precision drill as part of the Last Post Ceremony when the catafalque party is dismounted. Special ceremonies are also held at the memorial for Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day. 2 Shrine of Remembrance (Kings Domain, Melbourne). Originally dedicated to the soldiers from the state of Victoria who fought in World War I, it is now dedicated to all Australian soldiers who fought in any war. A Last Post Service is held here every Sunday at 4:45PM commemorating an event from Australia's military history, which involves military drills by the Shrine Guard, who are officers of the Victoria Police, but whose ceremonial uniforms are based on the historic military uniforms of soldiers from the Australian Light Horse during World War I. On some weeks, serving members of the Australian military may take part in the ceremony as well. In addition, there is a Monthly Remembrance Service held on a weekday every month held on behalf of the veterans who are no longer able to make pilgrimages to the shrine, and special ceremonies are also held for Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day.

Canada 3 Citadelle de Québec (Quebec City). Located within the historic walls of Quebec City, this is the second official residence of the King in Canada. It is also the main base of the Royal 22e Régiment, a French-speaking infantry regiment of the Canadian army. During the summer, a changing of the guard ceremony takes place at 10AM every day. Perhaps a curiosity for visitors is that although the ceremonial dresses of the soldiers are based on British ones, the parade drill commands are given in French. 4 Parliament Hill (Ottawa). A changing of the guard ceremony takes place on the main lawn every day at 9:45AM during the summer, featuring soldiers from Cana

Stay safe

Despite the paegentry and quaint ceremonial uniforms, it is important to remember that the participants are actual soldiers or police officers, sometimes armed with live weapons, who are performing an important job. Be sure to show them an appropriate level of respect, and avoid getting in their way. Getting too close or hindering them in the conduct of their duties will get you yelled at with their weapons pointed at you, and could even get you shot dead in the worst-case scenarios.