Fifty years ago today, I was sitting in a Grade 9 classroom
at Kamloops High School and I remember the announcement that said we would
remain inside the school due to a shooting.
The impact of hearing that was one I have remembered well, especially
after hearing the whole story, one very few would forget. Three RCMP were killed that day by a troubled man for
reasons unknown.
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| RCMP Memorial Parade
Today, those three young RCMP Cst. Joseph Keck, Cst.Gordon
Pedersen and Cst.Donald Weisgerber were remembered by RCMP troops from across
the country and the people of
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| RCMP in red serge uniforms |
The ceremony began with the parade of the RCMP in their
formal red serge as well as other units represented being led by the Pipe Band
as they marched from St. Paul and 6th
Avenue around the block to arrive in front of the
RCMP detachment office where the service would be held.
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| The RCMP officers perform formalities of the parade |
The sight, although solemn in nature was impressive to see
in the formal dress of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as they marched around
the block, leading the families of the slain officers riding in the
vintage cars following behind.
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| Staff Sergeant Grant Learned at the podium |
The families of these young men were well represented today
and that is also a testament to the kind of men they were as individuals, not
only as RCMP as they protected the people of Kamloops on that day 50 years ago. Staff Sergeant Grant Learned was the MC for the service and the rows of these RCMP officers lined the red carpet walk that the families used to enter and leave the service.
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| Mayor Peter Milobar at the podium |
There were dignitaries there to represent the city of Kamloops and Mayor
Peter Milobar spoke for them. Hymns were
sung and prayers were said. Bagpipes
offer a special feeling to songs played for these occasions and seem to add to
the emotion of such events.
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| The Last Post is played |
The Last Post was played on the bugle, reminding us of the
nature of the occasion as it is played to commemorate those who have been
killed in the line of duty, as the flag flies at half mast.
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| The Wall of Honour |
Wreaths and roses were placed on the Wall of Honor by family
members and a minute of silence was respected and then Reveille was played by Lisa
Landry on the bugle. The Wall of Honour sits in front of the Kamloops detachment and also includes names of four others that were killed in the line of duty.
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| The RCMP depart |
As the families lined the right side of the street, we all
watched the Royal Canadian Mounted Police march past them, and when the command
was given for “eyes right” it was with a lump in my throat that I watched these
young men pay their respect to the families of those we were there to remember.
Thank-you to all RCMP who risk their lives every day in
order to protect us. Thank-you also to
their families who support their duties, we pray all will remain safe.
