WATCH ABOVE: An outpouring of emotion in Moncton today to honour the victims of last year’s tragic shooting, but as Shelley Steeves reports, questions remain if more could have been done to prevent the tragedy.
MONCTON – It’s been one year since the city of Moncton lost three of their own after a gunman opened fire on police officers, killing three Mounties and injuring two.
Many agree the city has changed since June 4, 2014, while others say they can’t believe it’s been one year.
“To a degree, it shattered our perception of our community as being idyllic and as being the perfect place to be,” said Mayor George LeBlanc.
One year after the deadly Moncton shooting that claimed the lives of three RCMP officers, a special musical ride was held.
WATCH: RCMP musical ride marks Moncton shooting anniversary
The city gathered together to reflect with one another during a ceremony Thursday at city hall, to remember Constables Doug Larche, Dave Ross and Fabrice Gevaudan.
“For the last several days, the skies have opened up with rain,” said LeBlanc at the ceremony.
“Today, the skies have cleared and the sun shines down upon us.”
Assistant Commissioner Roger Brown, the Commanding Officer of the RCMP, also spoke, saying the support he received from the community was overwhelming.
“In my 34 years…I’ve never been more proud to serve than during the most difficult year of my life,” he said.
New Brunswick RCMP have released a video thanking residents of Moncton and people across the country for their support nearly one year after the murder of three RCMP officers.
WATCH: Codiac RCMP release ‘thank you’ video ahead of Moncton shootings anniversary
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement in memory of the RCMP officers, stating that the ultimate sacrifices made by Constables Larche, Ross and Gevaudan will not be forgotten.
“We will honour their memory and we will work to ensure that the RCMP has the resources it needs to counter those who threaten the safety and security of Canadians,” the statement read.
Monument unveiled for Riverfront Park
Of five designs, one was chosen to be the monument remembering the three RCMP officers.
Morgan MacDonald’s depiction of the three officers in a circle will be placed in Riverfront Park, along the Petitcodiac River.
The monument will sit in a circle surrounded by red maple trees. A porch light will stand in the middle.
MacDonald, of Newfoundland, spoke at the ceremony, saying he hopes the monument will become an outlet for the “deep emotions of the community.”
“It cannot be said enough how proud we are of them,” he said.
The son of an RCMP member, MacDonald said in an interview that he can’t help but feel a connection to the families of the RCMP officers.
“You share the family stories of the time that your father went out on call and the things that he’s done,” he said. “You can’t help but relate.”
Thursday night, the RCMP Musical Ride will pay tribute to the fallen officers with a free performance at the Magnetic Hill concert site in Moncton.
The performance is being done in partnership with the City of Moncton as a way to thank residents for their support during the past year.
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