REGINA – Sunday marks Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day and ceremonies were held across the country to honour officers killed in the line of duty.
In Regina, a throng of citizens gathered outside the legislature to show their respects.
One by one the officers walked for their fallen colleagues.
“We continue to remember them and we’re here to respect the ultimate sacrifice that they all made,” said Regina Police Chief Troy Hagen.
Officers began their march at the Albert Memorial Bridge, a fitting starting point as the parade made its way to the front steps of the legislature.
There, the choir sang biblical hymns as spectators watched.
Then silence followed, as the names of every Canadian police, peace and correctional officer killed in the line of duty was read aloud.
It left retired RCMP officer Vernon Barry speechless.
“I don’t have one word for it… I cannot describe it,” said Barry.
For the Knackstedt family it was a reminder that their son Justin, a conservation officer is no longer with them.
“He was hit by a drunk driver that came through a road block,” said his farther Howard Knackstedt.
The family laid a wreath on behalf of all families of the fallen, which they say added a moment of comfort.
“It helps I guess with the comradery with family as other people had to go through the same things,” said Knackstedt.
Moments later shots fired in their honour. Then came the sound of the last post; a sound of farewell and a sign to remember.
This year four new names will be etched in stone and added to the National Honour Roll in Ottawa.
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