In less than two weeks, it will be one year since the Moncton shootings.
On Saturday, hundreds turned out for a tree planting ceremony in honour of the three RCMP officers killed last June.
The widows of the slain officers say this ceremony is about looking forward.
“It’s just a really great day for the kids to play and have fun, and be together,” says Cst. Dave Ross’ widow, Rachael Ross.
“Planting trees is a sign of renewal,” adds Cst. Doug Larche’s widow, Nadine Larche. “So it is nice to have all of these trees planted along this street. It’s a silver lining.”
Children on bicycles held a parade to say thank you.
About 75 trees were planted on Hildegard Drive.
Along the road are clusters of three trees that are red maple.
Mark McConnell and his family planted one of those red maples.
They live in the area that was under a 30-hour lockdown as police searched for Justin Bourque.
“It was a pretty chaotic year last year, so this is a nice way to provide closure and to be around everyone else,” says McConnell.
Organizers have been working on this memorial for almost a year, and say they are thrilled with the turnout.
“We want people to walk away from this with a sense of community, a sense of belonging,” says organizer Heidi James. “A sense of security and safety and enthusiasm about where we live.”
“I think it is something that reminds us that life is about what is happening now,” says Cst. Fabrice Gevaudan’s widow, Angela Gevaudan. “And it kind of pulls us into the present moment as opposed to always thinking about what happened.”
With files from CTV Atlantic’s David Bell.
