Ottawa ceremonies mark Cirillo attack anniversary

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It was one year ago today that Canada was rocked by tragedy.

Michael Zihaf Bibeau, a lone wolf ISIS sympathizer went on a shooting rampage, killing Hamilton’s Nathan Cirillo, an unarmed reservist guarding the National War Memorial. He then went to Parliament Hill where Sergeant-at-arms Kevin Vickers helped take him out; the final fatal shot delivered by RCMP Cst Curtis Barrett.

Ceremonies today are paying tribute to the victims.

This morning at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, a dozen motorcyclists began a ride to remember Cirillo. They travelled to the Guelph cenotaph and are taking part in the changing of the guard with war veterans.

Troy Bond, organizer of the ride told CHCH News that Cirillo had once stood there himself, and explained why the bikers are doing this today. “It’s a senseless loss. It should never had happened.”

“I feel for his family, especially his young son. As a father myself I can’t imagine leaving my kids behind or what my kids would feel losing their father. It was terrible, tragic and senseless.”

At the Guelph War Memorial, the bikers were greeted by eight veterans, where they had a short changing of the guard ceremony. One of the veterans, Bill Matthews served with the Argylls between 1960 and 1975. “He (Cirillo) was in my regiment, very close to my heart, and it hurt to see that happen.”

“I’ll be here every year; if not here then in Hamilton.”

Other ceremonies took place at other cenotaphs across Canada, including of course the National War Memorial in Ottawa. Governor General David Johnston, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and Prime Minister-designate Justin Trudeau were among hundreds of dignitaries, soldiers and members of the public at the ceremony in memory of Cirillo and warrant officer Patrice Vincent.

A lone bugler played The Last Post beside the war memorial where Cirillo was standing guard when he was shot and killed. Vincent was deliberately struck by a car and killed while he was in uniform two days earlier in Quebec.

This morning’s ceremony included a 21-gun salute and a fly-past over Parliament Hill. Families of both murdered soldiers attended the ceremony.

Harper issued a statement to commemorate the tragic events of October 2014.

“On this day let us also pay tribute to all the security forces, medical personnel and brave citizens who risked their safety to stop the attackers and help those injured. It was inspiring to see how Canadians came together in the aftermath of these attacks, offering each other support, condemning terrorism, and showing the courage and resolve that make our country great.”