There are certain images that come to mind internationally -
Hockey -
Snow-
Maple Syrup
The Maple Leaf
Please, Thank you, You're Welcome, I'm sorry
Ryan Gosling
and the RCMP
Tourists snap photos of themselves beside them because, well, they're so Canadian -
But they're more than a tourists snapshot
The RCMP are famous for their distinctive dress uniform, or "Review Order," popularly known as the "Red Serge." It consists of: high collared scarlet tunic, midnight blue breeches with yellow leg strip, Sam Browne belt with white sidearm lanyard, oxblood riding boots (possibly with spurs), brown felt campaign hat (wide, flat brimmed) with the characteristic "Montana crease", and brown gloves (with brown leather gauntlets for riders). Review Order is worn by the mounted troop performing the Musical Ride, an equestrian drill in which mounted members demonstrate their riding skills and handling of the cavalry lance. On normal duties, the RCMP uses standard police methods, equipment, and uniforms. Horses are still used for such ceremonial operations as escorting the Governor General's open landau to the Opening of Parliament.
The Red Serge tunic that identified initially the NWMP, and later the RNWMP and RCMP, is of the standard British military pattern (based on the civilian Norfolk jacket[24]). The NWMP was originally kitted out from militia stores, resulting initially in several different styles of tunic, although the style later became standardized. This style was used both to emphasize the British nature of the force and to differentiate it from the blue American military uniforms. The dark blue shoulder straps and collars were added in 1904[25] when King Edward VII granted the Force "Royal" status for its service in the Second Boer War, replacing the scarlet facings of the earlier uniform. Currently, RCMP personnel under the rank of inspector wear blue "gorget" patches on the collar, while officers from inspector to commissioner have solid blue collars, along with blue pointed-sleeve cuffs.
On top of this jacket was worn a white haversack and white gauntlets,[24] which provided a high visible contrast to the red tunic, but were easily dirtied. In the modern dress uniform these have been replaced with brown leather riding gloves and carrying pouches added to the belt.
They're known for their attire
They are part of Canada's Finest and normally look like this
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The Royal Canadian Mounted Police were accorded the status of a regiment of Dragoons in 1921, with its first guidon presented in 1935.[34][35] As a cavalry regiment, the RCMP was entitled to wear battle honours for its war service as well as carry a guidon. The RCMP mounted the King's Life Guard at Horse Guards Parade in 1937 leading up to the coronation of King George VI.
But they're more than mounted police
In New Brunswick ( here in Canada )
On Wednesday, shocking images of a camouflage-clad Bourque walking calmly on a residential street, armed with high-powered firearms, spread across the Internet and gained international media attention.
It remains unclear how the suspect acquired the weapons – described as an M-14 semi-automatic rifle and a six-shot pump-action shotgun.
Online speculation over where Bourque bought his arsenal prompted a Moncton-area "emergency preparedness" store to issue a statement, to clear themselves of culpability from what is described as one of the worst mass shooting in RCMP history.
"The Worlds End Warehouse is a fully authorised & licensed firearms dealer, with a spotless record, and we promote firearms for recreational hunting, target shooting and law enforcement/security. However, to prevent pointless media speculation we can confirm that the suspect in this case whilst known personally by employees of our store, was never a customer and never purchased firearms or ammunition from us," they said.
The manhunt, which lasted nearly 30 hours, included the efforts of tactical armoured vehicles, air support major crime units, specialized teams, K-9 teams, and a legion of on-duty officers from across the province.
A few character witnesses also emerged during the nerve-wracking ordeal, sharing details about the former Walmart Canada employee's personal life.
According to Christian Duquette, a neighbour living in the same trailer park asBourque, described the man as someone who preferred to keep to himself.
"He was a loner, he was never out in the park socializing. Aside from that, he was just your average Joe in a trailer park."
With files from The Canadian Press
These are the Men and Woman who have made a career out of making Canada a safer place for us to raise our children.
These are the Men and Woman who get up each morning and don a uniform and face dangerous situations so that we don't have to.
These are the Men and Woman who know that when they leave for work - it's not a " given" that they'll return that night.
They're Daddies who play ball with their kids, they're piggy backs, little league hockey coaches and somewhere safe to run to
They're Mommies who tuck children into bed at night - who kiss away boo - boo's - who teach and nurture and comfort.
They're Sons who visit families on weekends
They're Daughters who help care for parents
They're Sisters and Brothers with a life long memory of shared upbringings
They're Nanas and Grandpas and cousins and nieces and nephews
They're friends who belong to closely knit circles.
And though they're an important - very important - intricate part of the spokes on a wheel that keep a Country turning - it's the smaller circle they belong to that is most affected when one of them " falls "
Please keep them in your prayers.
The ones who wait to hear a key turning in the front door at the end of a long shift -
for normalcy to return-for the phone to ring and a voice saying " hey, I'm safe, don't worry "
for a little " reprieve " in the anxiety - to hear the words " I'm home " before they can close their eyes and go to sleep.
The ones who wait to heave a sigh of relief.
The ones whose worst fear have been realized.
For they have also given the ultimate sacrifice.
We live in times when this is happening more and more often - let our outrage and sympathy and prayers ensure it's never considered the " norm "
We collectively mourn the loss of 3 of Canada's " finest "
But they're so much more than a ribbon for bravery
R.I.P Constable Dave Ross - 32 - leaves behind his pregnant wife
and 18 month old son.
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RIP constable Fabrice Georges Gevaudan, 45 - photo to be inserted when available
RIP constable Douglas James Larche, 40 - photo to be inserted when available
AND Constable Darlene Goguen and Constable Eric Dubois were both injured and hospitalized in this senseless attack - one has since been released from the hospital
heroes, one and all
But they were so much more, then the clothes they wore......................
With utmost gratitude and respect for your service.
Your fellow citizen,
With utmost gratitude and respect for your service.
Your fellow citizen,
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I have tears running, Suzan. When will all this senseless violence end? What stirs one to action to take the life of another in such a bold and brazen way? God bless all those whose lives were touched by a man that should have been a friend that became an enemy. My heart aches for all of you and your country as you deal with yet another tragedy. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteThis is so sad and to put a face and story to one of victims even makes this more tragic and sad. Wow so young and his wife expecting their second child. This is almost unbearable. My heart is breaking for all of those families.
ReplyDeleteKris
Oh take my heart out and stomp all over it, ugh!! :( Prayers to the families.
ReplyDeleteI'm crying too, part sadness for the tragic loss of these three brave and dedicated men and part despair - WHY?
ReplyDeleteWhat makes a man decide to take a gun onto the streets to kill people he has never even met before let alone has a valid reason to hate? Not that hating someone equates to a valid reason to take their life but at least you could understand their warped motivation if not their actions.
WHY is it so easy for these people who are mentally unbalanced to get hold of these firearms in the first place?
Is there really a generation of people so desensitized to the value and meaning of life that they can casually and cruelly destroy it?
If so WHY?
Particularly poignant as we celebrate the unselfish courage and sacrifice of the allies during the D Day landings.
My heart goes out to the family, friends and community affected by this tragedy.
So sad.....
ReplyDeleteMy heart and thoughts are with the families ~
ReplyDeleteI think it is fair to say that Canadians are grief stricken and heart sick over the loss of these great, brave souls, both wounded and killed in cold blood. I pray for comfort for the families and injured. Perhaps now there will be a review of how the 'system' deals with cop killers. He had the sense to put his plan into place and carry it out. He was able to find a way to procure the weapons and learn how to use them. Crazy? I don't think so. Anti-social and a loner, yup. Hang him high. To hell with the bleeding hearts. Let's face it - anyone who commits a premeditated violent crime or muder simply isn't right in the head. Not just him, all of them. This is a pretty obvious case of who done it. They got the right guy.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very beautiful tribute to these three young men who died too young and too violently. Moncton is my hometown and I lived there in 1974 when 2 city police officers were shot and killed gangland style and a manhunt was on for the killers. It was terrifying then and it's terrifying now. The city, in particular the northwest end where the shootings took place, was held 'hostage' by this man for over 30 hours. People hid in their homes and basements and missed school and work and some were separated from their loved ones as they weren't allowed to enter or leave. It was terrible for them and I know people that live in this area. I also know a mountie that thankfully, is on paternity leave right now so didn't have to be on the streets but I know it hit so close to home for his family. Cst. Larche has a wife and 3 young daughters and I believe Cst. Gevaudan has a child. These dear children and spouses have a very sad and long period of mourning and grief to go through as do the rest of the RCMP who worked with the three men. I also grieve for the parents and family of the young shooter. How must they feel? Pray for these families and for the RCMP and other police forces who serve and protect us. Thanks Suzan. Hugs. Pam
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of these brave officers, both killed and injured, and all the citizens of Canada.
ReplyDeleteThank you Karen............xoxo
DeleteHeartless and senseless. May they RIP and prayers and love to their families!
ReplyDeleteAmen Marilyn
Deletexox
Such a tragedy. To think that the senseless acts of one person can alter those other families' lives forever. God bless the RCMP who daily put their lives on the line in the service of others.
ReplyDeleteSo very very sad :(
ReplyDeletePraying for all the families affected by this. Such senseless violence. Tears my heart out every single time. So sad.
ReplyDeleteThank you Suzan, for a wonderful post. Tragic. How one person can change and end so many lives is just unbearable. All police officers are heroes for what they do everyday.
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