Local sergeant chosen for Remembrance Day role in Ottawa

A person touches the helmet on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after laying a poppy, at the National War Memorial after the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa, on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

The eyes and ears of Canadians from coast to coast will be focused on Canadian Army Sgt. Kevin Deng on November 11.

“It’s a huge, profound honour,” says Deng. “It represents the highest honour and privilege to lead the sentries in paying respects to those who served and sacrificed for our country.

The Edmonton-based 1st Battalion LAV Sergeant of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry will serve as Sentry Commander during this year’s national Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa.

• Sign up for breaking news alerts from CTV News Edmonton, right at your fingertips

He has been posted with the Edmonton Patricia’s unit since 2014 and was deployed overseas to Latvia in 2022 as part of Operation Reassurance.. Prior to Edmonton, he was posted with the Calgary Highlanders starting in 2007.

“It’s just a reminder of the legacy that we’re carrying,” says Deng. “The sacrifices that were made by those who came before us. Standing in uniform and in unity, for me, I feel a deep sense of connection with not just the generations of Patricia’s… but as well as all the veterans past and present.”

Deng was selected alongside 10 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and one RCMP officer to be a part of the program.

The Remembrance Day Sentry Program, which was created in 1998, publicly recognizes outstanding RCMP officers and CAF members from both regular and reserve forces.

Selection is based on several criteria, such as deployment expertise, record of conduct, physical fitness and community involvement.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been volunteering with the Air Cadet program,” says Deng. “Which was … part of one of the things that they were looking for in being selected for the Remembrance Day Sentry Program.”

In the days leading up to the Nov. 11 ceremony, the 12 sentry program personnel will tour noteworthy locations in Ottawa, such as the Canadian War Museum, the National Military Ceremony and National Defence Headquarters.

They will also participate in daily drills to prepare them for the ceremony.

“For all of us, (it’s) just a solemn reflection on the cost (of) freedom, to service,” says Deng.

“(It’s) just a profound sense of gratitude for all those who gave everything for the country.”