Swearing In

The night before my swearing in ceremony Dan took us all out to dinner at Boston Pizza. I had never been before and it was pretty good. My stomach the next day did not agree but I thought it was good food and awesome fun. When Dan told the waiter that it was in my honor for joining the army he shook my hand and said thank you. I don't really feel like I have done anything of being thanked for yet but I thanked him for saying that and that it was really awesome of him to do so.

The next day I got sworn into the armed forces Thursday Morning and I am now officially a member of the army as an untrained private recruit. Doesn't sound like a very exciting title but I am ecstatic and I am very anxious to start my training. When I arrived at the recruiting center I had to sign a few documents stating that my medical and personal life had not changed since the last time I was at the recruiting center for my interview. I then waited in a conference type room where they do the actual swearing in with some family as well as another person who was being sworn in with his family. I had about 12 people come to watch on my side so I thought that was pretty awesome.

We waited a little while because another person was supposed to show up to do their swearing in as well but he was running late so we went ahead with just the two of ours. It was very brief, I pledged an oath to the queen, Canada and god, signed a document and received a certificate stating that I am now a member of the forces and then stood for the playing of Oh Canada. The officer who presided over the ceremony was a really nice guy.

After that the family members watched a video on basic training and asked some questions to one of the recruiters who was there while the other forces member and myself signed and went over a bunch of paperwork in another room. It was a pretty surreal experience now that all the waiting and work up has led to this and whats still coming.

Once the paperwork was all done with we went out to join our family members again where the recruiter was still answering questions. We did that for a little bit and then my family all wanted to take pictures with me. My Nana gave me a digital camera that my aunt had given me which is awesome because I wanted one for when I left. Scott got me a little photo printer for the camera as well which I thought was really cool too.

We then went out for lunch to Harry's open kitchen which was delicious and really fun. I am really enjoying spending time with family as much as possible.

A couple Pictures here from dinner and the swearing in.