Joined by 11 other members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the RCMP from across the country, Master Sailor Jed Garcia was chosen for sentry duty in Ottawa during Remembrance Day.

Created in 1998, the Remembrance Day Sentry Program aims to acknowledge soldiers, aviators, soldiers and RCMP officers for their deployment experience, community involvement, physical fitness, and record of conduct.

"It was very surprising at the very beginning, but it's a great honour and experience to be in support of this program, and to have been selected," said Garcia.

Garcia, a weapons engineering technician, deployed on Operation Caribbe in Central America, where he received the Special Service Medal, and Operation Projection in Asia, where he was awarded the Operational Service Medal.

His role consisted of standing guard at the National War Memorial in the nation's capital, as well as a number of other memorials over Remembrance Day.

"It's a great time to honour those that serve Canada, those who have served, and [those who] serve during times of conflict," he said.

In a news release, military personnel commander Lt.-Gen. Lise Bourgon congratulated and expressed admiration for those who were chosen to stand as sentries.

"To be nominated and selected for the Remembrance Day Sentry Program is an incredible honour. From all the nominations received from across the country, you have been recognized for your outstanding performance and unwavering dedication," noted Bourgon.