New National Memorial at RCMP Headquarters

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OTTAWA — November 16, 2005 — The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has a new National Memorial at its Headquarters in Ottawa to honour and remember fallen members.

The names of the 209 members of the force who lost their lives in the line of duty since the creation of the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) are engraved on the memorial. From this day forward, the names of RCMP members who make the ultimate sacrifice in service to Canada will be added to the memorial.

“This is the first commemorative feature at RCMP Headquarters dedicated to those who have given their lives in service to their country,” said RCMP Commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli. “Employees and visitors now have a prominent place within the National Capital Region where they can gather to remember the dedication and sacrifices of our fallen comrades.”

The recently erected National Memorial features an impressive 13-foot bronze sculpture of Commissioner James Macleod on horseback in his 1880s NWMP uniform.

Macleod joined the NWMP at its inception in 1873 after distinguishing himself as a volunteer militiaman. As Assistant Commissioner in 1874, he led his troops west to found the post later named Fort Macleod. In 1876, he became the third Commissioner of the NWMP.

Commissioner Macleod’s legacy lives on today. He is largely credited with having laid the foundation for peaceful relations with the First Nations. This led to the signing of Treaty 7 which essentially gave control of Rupert's Land to the government of Canada, and allowed for the building of the transcontinental railway. He also had a decisive influence on the early development of Western Canada. His success in obtaining the co-operation of settlers and First Nations people effectively stamped out the illegal whiskey trade. He also suggested the building of, and the name for, Fort Calgary from which the City of Calgary developed.

Above all, Macleod’s honour and his determination to “keep his promises” set the tone for the organization that would later become the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Th statue of Macleod is a replica of one unveiled at Fort Calgary in September 2005. It was donated to the city of Calgary as a centennial gift by the local branch of the RCMP Veterans’ Association.

For media inquiries, please contact:
RCMP Public Affairs and Communication Services Directorate at (613) 993-2999.