Honouring a Proud Legacy: Official Opening of the RCMP Veterans’ Legacy Pathway
May 23, 2023 | RCMP National Memorial Cemetery at Beechwood
On a historic spring morning, dignitaries, RCMP Veterans, families, and supporters gathered at the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery at Beechwood for the official unveiling of the RCMP Veterans’ Legacy Pathway. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in preserving and celebrating the legacy of those who served in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The ceremony began with opening remarks from RCMP Veteran Marc Dureau, who set the tone for a reflective and reverent event. RCMP Elder Jim Potts delivered a land acknowledgement and Indigenous welcome, accompanied by the Eagle Staff carried by RCMP Veteran Jeff Poulette. RCMP Veteran Garth Hampson followed with a powerful rendition of the national anthem, grounding the event in Canadian pride.
A Pathway Built on History and Honour
RCMP Veteran Christine Windover introduced the Legacy Pathway, a vision brought to life to recognize and share the storied journey of the RCMP. The pathway features ten commemorative granite monoliths, quarried from the same site as the Parliament Buildings, anchoring the RCMP’s legacy within Canada’s national identity.
Each stone includes bilingual plaques detailing major chapters in RCMP history:
- North-West Mounted Police (1873–1903): Traces the Force’s founding and role in western expansion, law enforcement, and treaty facilitation.
- Royal North-West Mounted Police (1904–1919): Details the expansion into the Arctic and contributions to World War and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (1920–1938): Marks the merger with the Dominion Police and modernization efforts.
- RCMP During WWII (1939–1973): Highlights wartime service, including the ST ROCH’s Arctic voyages and post-war growth.
- Modernization & Multiculturalism (1974–1998): Chronicles the shift toward diversity, community policing, and international peacekeeping roles.
- The Contemporary RCMP (1999–Present): Addresses evolving challenges like terrorism and reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
- RCMP Veterans’ Association Crest: Central to the Pathway, the crest symbolizes honour, service, and unity.
At the heart of the Pathway is the RCMP Veterans’ Association crest, unveiled by veterans Jack Briscoe, Mel Oickle, Ralph Mahar, and Fred Lyle, with remarks from RCMP Veteran David Jeggo. The crest and Pathway offer a national space for reflection, remembrance, and education.
Following the official ribbon-cutting, dignitaries including Senator Beverly Busson, Veterans Affairs Canada’s Robert Löken, Assistant Commissioner Robert Gilchrist, Brigadier General Vanessa Hanrahan, and others symbolically opened the site. Mounted RCMP members traversed the Pathway while the RCMP Pipes & Drums played the Regimental March, a poignant reminder of tradition and service.
Remarks from RCMP Veterans Association President Sandra Conlin, Assistant Commissioner Gilchrist, and Beechwood’s Nicolas McCarthy echoed themes of legacy, renewal, and national pride.
Recognizing Supporters Project Chair RCMP Veteran Kevin Mole delivered donor acknowledgements and unveiled the commemorative donor plaque alongside RCMP Veterans Michel Pelletier and Louise Morel. Their leadership exemplifies true civic responsibility and enduring respect for Canada’s national police force.
Closing Moments Chaplain Pierre Bélanger offered a heartfelt blessing of the Pathway, followed by a performance of the Royal Anthem by Garth Hampson. Marc Dureau returned to close the ceremony, thanking all in attendance and reaffirming the lasting value of remembrance.
The RCMP Veterans’ Legacy Pathway is more than a commemorative installation—it is a national testament to honour, a public archive of RCMP service, and a living tribute to the enduring bond between those who have worn the uniform and the country they served.
It stands now as a permanent part of Canada’s heritage at Beechwood Cemetery, inviting generations to learn, reflect, and honour. Together, we remember. Together, we honour.