Today's memorial service for the four slain RCMP officers drew the single largest contingent of peace officers that Canada has ever seen to do homage to their fallen comrades.
There were, of course, many members of the RCMP. There was also representation from Edmonton City Police, the U.S. Border Patrol and Edmonton's Air Ambulance pilots; Ohio, New Jersey and New Hampshire State Police; Oregon, Minnesota and Alaska representation; the Ontario Provincial Police, Parks Canada Wardens, Calgary Firefighters and Canadian Pacific Railway police.
All told, there were close to 11,000 men and women that marched through the streets of Edmonton towards the memorial service at the university. The line stretched over a kilometre and a half and the sidewalks were crowded two-deep with spectators, many of whom were surprised at the level of emotion that was palpable and in which they were quickly caught up.
It was unseasonably warm and sunny all day. A very beautiful day.
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