The Town of Innisfail has formally recognized the tragedy and heroism from this week's deadly gunman attack in Ottawa and the deliberate hit and run killing two days earlier of a Canadian soldier in Saint-Jean-sur –Richelieu, south of Montreal.
“This is to recognize the contributions are armed services gives to us,” said Mayor Brian Spiller of the gesture. “I think this just opens our eyes on what world terrorism is like and what a lot of Europe and the Middle East lives through every day. It has brought reality to us and maybe across the country.
“I hope it doesn't make us any more cynical,” added the mayor. “Canada is an open and warm country and I hope we can stay the same way but time will tell on that one.”
The shocking incident in Ottawa began just after 8 a.m. Mountain Time when gunman Michael Zehaf-Bibeau shot and killed Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, who was on honoury guard duty at the National War Memorial. Zehaf-Bibeau then got into a car and made the short drive to Parliament Hill. He eventually stormed through the front doors of the Centre Block brandishing a large rifle. He was then reportedly shot dead by Kevin Vickers, the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Commons.
Earl Dreeshen, the Member of Parliament for the riding of Red Deer, which includes Innisfail, said in a news release that he was “deeply troubled” by the events of Oct. 20 and 22, adding that the attack on Parliament was one on all of Canada.
“Yesterday could have been even more tragic if it weren't for the brave men and women in uniform that guard and protect our Parliament,” said Dreeshen. “They served valiantly and heroically securing Parliament and keeping me, my colleagues, and my staff safe. I would like to especially acknowledge and thank Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers for his heroism. I cannot convey in words the gratitude I feel for Sergeant Vickers.”
On Oct. 23, Vickers was given a standing ovation by MPs in the House of Commons for his role in putting an end to the shooter.
Dreeshen also offered his condolences to the families and friends of Cirillo and Vincent, noting they died while serving their country and would remain “true Canadian heroes.
“A wise man once said, a man dies twice, first when he takes his last breath and second when his name is mentioned for the last time,” said Dreeshen. “So let us insure that Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo live forever in our hearts and minds and that their memory never fades.”
