REGINA – An event that’s only happened twice before in the history of the RCMP kicked off the annual Memorial Weekend at Depot on Friday afternoon.
The training academy welcomed a new Guidon on Sept. 8, with a ceremony that included Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Russell Mirasty and formal parade marches.
The Guidon is an important symbol, detailing Corps Operational Honours that detail the campaigns RCMP members fought and died in around the world.
“We’re the only police force in the commonwealth that has colours presented by the sovereign,” said Michael McGinley, Sergeant Major at Depot Division. “These things are important - they’re the things that bind us together as a regiment.”
The new Guidon includes the change of “Europe 1939-1945” to “Second World War 1939-1945,” the return of the Provost Corps badge, and the addition of “Afghanistan 2003-2014.”
Corps Sergeant Major Alan McCambridge was part of the civilian police in Afghanistan in 2006 to 2007, with this ceremony bringing an extra component of personal meaning. He called the presentation “a very historical event.”
McCambridge also described what happens to the now retired Second Guidon, which will be reside in the rafters of the chapel at Depot.
“The Guidon is meant to be part of the regiment from the day it is consecrated until the day it is laid up,” he explained. “When it’s laid up, it’s still in the possession of the regiment, and it’s there until it falls and disintegrates.”
“When it falls to the ground, it’s taken and incinerated in honour of the sacrifices of those before that served under that Guidon,” McCambridge said.
The Guidon is only paraded on certain occasions, such as the annual memorial weekend. Otherwise, it’s home is securely in Ottawa.
Sylvie Bourassa-Mouse, Commanding Officer of Depot Division, mused on how important the weekend is in general; being a time for members to reconnect - especially after the Covid pandemic kept people apart.
“There's a certain energy that has been brought back here,” she said. “It’s really the first time that we’ve had so many members from across the country here.”
One of those retired members with fond memories of Depot is Bill Perry. The 91-year-old was part of the second guidon presentation back in 1973, smiling as he recounted his activities 50 years ago.
“I love this place, I was here for 22 years and enjoyed every minute of it,” said Perry, who was also instrumental in establishing the Sunset Ceremony at Depot. “Everything we did here was memory building.”
When asked about how he felt about attending the presentation of the third guidon, his one-word answer spoke volumes.
“Proud,” he said with a smile.
This year’s memorial service on Sept. 10 included the addition of three fallen members to the Honour Roll and Cenotaph; Cst. Shaelyn Yang, Cst. Vernon Myle Genaille and Cst. Harvinder Singh Dhami.
In total, 249 names are on the memorial wall.
“Its really the home of the RCMP. When they come back here, its significant for them,” Bourassa-Mouse said of the annual reunion, adding that she hopes the ceremony honouring fallen members bring some comfort and emotional resolve for their families.
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