Assistant
Commissioner Sweeney, members of the
Massey and Graburn families, ladies
and gentlemen.
We
look to the day that there would no
longer be a need for these ceremonies.
It is too often forgotten that a police
officer puts his or her life on the
line every time they go on duty.
To
a police officer, there is no challenge
too great, no danger too frightening.
It is a calling to which only the
brave at heart and strong in spirit
are drawn.
It
is a destiny which Supt. Brian Massey
and Marmaduke Graburn were born to
fulfill. Although their time on Earth
was cut short, they accomplished so
much
The
RCMP has always exhibited a tradition
of strong values – commitment
and service to community.
Dennis
Massey was the personification of
these values. Through his lengthy
accomplishments and contributions
not only in Canada but internationally
all that he did was in the interest
of community. He was also committed
to being a ‘police officer’
remaining on the street working with
people. His commitment to duty extended
beyond the job to his passionate work
with countless volunteer organizations
and charities.
It
was a tragic accident that took Dennis
from all of us and this province is
lesser for it. Dennis was the quintessential
police officer – an individual
with unwavering devotion to the betterment
of his community and his legacy will
live on the example that he set for
others.
Like
many young people, Marmaduke Graburn
make the decision to work in service
of his country – first as a sailor,
then as a officer in the Northwest
Mounted Police. After enlisting in
Ottawa at 19, he was assigned to the
horse camp at Cypress Hills. Just
a few months into his service, Marmaduke
was found murdered in a coulee following
a verbal confrontation with another
person.
As
the first member of the Force to die
a violent death, his murder serves
as a tragic reminder of the violence
that marked the beginnings of our
province. Marmaduke is buried at Fort
Walsh, now a national historic site,
and his place of death in Cypress
Hills Park is known as Graburn’s
Gap.
From
the better place from which these
men now watch over us, they no doubt
take great comfort in knowing that
their family and friends are bound
together by your love and your grief,
and by an extended RCMP community
that never forgets its own.
We
can never repay them for their sacrifice,
but we can honour their memory through
this Wall, and carry on their spirit
through our actions.
This
Wall of Honour represents the sweat,
blood, energy, spirit, and hope of
every hero whose names are inscribed
on it. It is also the pride, love,
tears, and pain of all those whose
lives they touched.
