A small crowd gathered at Citadel Hill to celebrate and commemorate Victoria Day on Monday afternoon.

Informally, Victoria Day is considered the beginning of the summer season in Canada.

Paying tribute, 16 officers gathered as some fired 21 blank cannon rounds at 12-second intervals.

One of the officers at the event, Samuel Gaudet, has been a Gun Position Officer (GPO) for seven years and is a salute trooper, in his third salute.

Samuel Gaudet has been a Gun Position Officer (GPO) for seven years and is on his third salute as a salute trooper. Photo by Sara Gouda.

"It's Victoria Day, of course, we're here to celebrate that by 21 rounds done by 15-second intervals."

He shares information on the canons used.

"They have pretty wide ranges up to like 20 kilometers depending on the ammunition. It's the weapon system that we've been using as a primary reserve. There's also triple sevens and C threes all different types of howitzers, so large caliber weapons, shooting 105 millimeter long distances very accurately and safely."

Another officer, Sgt. Ainsley Francis, explains why Victoria Day is important to him.

In an interview with us, Sgt. Ainsley Francis explains why Victoria Day is important to him. Photo by Sara Gouda.

"I think it's an important day to recognize our history. It's one of the national holidays that we do partake in gun salutes. Another one is like Canada Day, Remembrance Day all significant events that we like to celebrate with doing our 21 gun salute."

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