Alberta's 17th lieutenant-governor sworn in
Alberta's new lieutenant-governor, Donald Ethell, reviews troops outside the provincial legislature Tuesday. (CBC)Retired colonel Donald Stewart Ethell was sworn in as Alberta's 17th lieutenant-governor on Tuesday.
Ethell, who has served on 14 international peacekeeping missions, replaced Norman Kwong, whose five-year term ended Monday.
"I am honoured and excited by this opportunity to serve our great province," Ethell, 72, said in a statement on Tuesday.
"I will strive everyday to earn your confidence and to serve as Her Majesty the Queen's representative in Alberta with honour, loyalty, integrity and trust."
Ethell led Canada's peacekeeping operations from 1987 to 1990 and served as deputy force commander of multinational forces during the 1990 Persian Gulf War. His last posting was in Yugoslavia before retiring in 1993.
During his 38 years with the Canadian Armed Forces, Ethell participated in missions in Cyprus, Lebanon, Israel and the Balkans.
He was awarded the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2001.
Ethell has most recently appeared as a defence analyst for the CBC and other media organizations
The Governor General appoints lieutenant-governors on the advice of the prime minister to serve five-year terms where they act as provincial representatives of the Queen.
Tuesday saw Colonel  assume the post of provincial  in Edmonton, capital of Alberta, Canada. The swearing-in ceremony took place at Edmonton's Legislative Building, with the retired colonel inspecting the guard afterwards. As is traditional, the taking of the oath of office was accompanied by a fifteen-gun salute.
The new Lieutenant Governor, Colonel Donald Ethell, at the swearing-in ceremony at the Legislative Building in Edmonton. 

The 72-year-old decorated war veteran assumes the post from , who served from January 20 in 1995. Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the appointment last Thursday.
Alberta Premier Ed Stelmech alongside Ethell. 
Ethell has served Canada, with distinction, spending 38 years in the armed forces, and involved in over fourteen peacekeeping missions. "I can assure you that I will not be stuffy and aloof just because I've got a whole lot of medals on my shoulder", said Ethell (''', , ''').

Alongside his military medals, the new Lieutenant Governor is a member of the , the , and the Order of St. John.  "I'm very grateful for the opportunities that were presented to me by the military. It was shape up or get out.  And that's exactly what I did." said Ethell. a believer in second chances. He was known as a leading United Nations' Peacekeeping diplomat, and in later years  with the Canadian Association of Veterans.

Armed forces present at the swearing in ceremony. 
Alberta   said, "his Honour's compassion and dedication to the well-being of his fellow citizens has been a constant. Those traits are the hallmark of Albertans and will guide him well in his work on their behalf."

The first Lieutenant Governor of Alberta was sworn in during 1905, as Alberta became a province of Canada.  Ethell is the seventeenth holder of the office.

"Colonel Ethell has had a distinguished career in the Canadian Armed Forces and as a humanitarian.  He is one of Canada’s most decorated soldiers as well as a champion for veterans and the welfare of those in the world's most vulnerable nations.” said Harper.