Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada are holding a plaque unveiling ceremony to commemorate the historic significance of the Creation of Canada’s Permanent Military Force (1871-1883). The plaque unveiling will take place as part of Fort Henry National Historic Site’s weekly sunset ceremony.

The establishment of Canada’s permanent military force in 1871 marked the end of British military dependence and the start of military professionalization, as Canada assumed responsibility for its own defence and militia training following British troop withdrawal.