4 July 2008
Mayerthorpe, Alberta
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today attended the Official Opening and Statue Unveiling of the Fallen Four Memorial Park, a tribute to the four RCMP officers who were murdered at a nearby farm on March 3, 2005, in what was the worst single-day loss of life for the RCMP in its history.
"Constables Peter Schiemann, Anthony Gordon, Leo Johnston and Brock Myrol did not die in vain," Prime Minister Harper said. "They died in the line of duty, their duty to uphold the rule of law, that precious companion of democracy that protects free, civilized societies from violence, oppression and anarchy."
The unveiling was attended by family and friends of the fallen officers, representatives of the federal, provincial and local governments, and police officers from across the country. "This memorial park will be a place where family and friends of the fallen four can come to mourn their loved ones, a place where children can learn important lessons about duty and sacrifice, and a place where all of us can fortify our determination to fight against violent crime in Canada," said the Prime Minister.
"Today is a day to pay tribute to four heroes who gave their lives in the service of their fellow Canadians and a day to remember all those who have fallen in the line of police duty," Prime Minister Harper concluded. "But it's also a day to honour every officer from coast to coast who is continuing their work. We must never take them for granted, never forget their purpose, and never let them down."
