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The funeral service for three RCMP officers killed in the line of duty in Moncton, New Brunswick brought a country together, to share its grief, this afternoon. Constables Fabrice Gevaudan, Doug Larche, and Dave Ross — responded to a report of a man with a gun last Wednesday — and were shot and killed upon their arrival at the scene. Tuesday’s funeral service drew thousands, to remember their lives — and mourn their tragic deaths.
It was an ocean, of grief. A red sea whose roar was not of waves upon the shore — but of thousands of heart-heavy boots, marching toward a reluctant farewell. Rank after rank of brothers and sisters in service — from across the continent. The murders of Fabrice Gevaudan, Douglas Larche, and David Ross … brought a nation to mourn.
Ordinary citizens, offering comfort and thanks, to those who remained on duty. Living symbols of the service given, and the extraordinary sacrifice, made by ordinary men.
There was a mournful reminder, of the uncertainty of life.
And a hopeful acknowledgment, in the joy of life.
In his remarks to the enormous crowd — Prime Minister Stephen Harper said that the murders of sworn police officers, committed to duty — proved the opposite of everything that it intended:
And in that embrace — to the families of the fallen officers — to those who lost so much — there can only be hope of comfort, support, and a healing yet to come.
And as the families of the slain officers continue to mourn — the RCMP, will now turn to the process of completing its investigation into the shootings, and preparing the court case, against 24-year old Justin Bourque.