If you thought the pomp and circumstance of Canada Day was something you ain't seen nothing.

Today General Rick Hillier handed over command of Canadian troops to the new Chief of Defence Staff, General Walt Natynczyk.

The Prime Miniser was there, the Minister of National Defence, the Governor General, soldiers of all ranks,veterans, recently wounded soldiers, and families of soldiers who have been killed in mission.

There was singing, a parade, an appearance by the Snowbirds and even parachutists.

All in all a spectacular display of Canada's Armed Forces and a spectacularly long ceremony.

All told it lasted two hours and then some.

So long that the soldiers who formed part of the military parade began to feel the effects.

A total of nine had to be taken away. Some just fainted, others were weak at the knees.

And even one CBC employee felt woozy with no chairs for the media provided.

The military may know how to throw a ceremony, but they make you work for it.

Oh yeah, and did we mention General Hillier left the ceremony in a tank?!