By Renee Charbonneau
Suicide.
It's a word that, along with PTSD and other operational stress injuries, people often shy away from discussing.
While it's not the most popular topic in the world, 28 people still attended our dedication ceremony—a testament to the importance of breaking the silence.
Paul 'Trapper' Cane and Xavier Remillard were special guests at the unveiling of the S.O.S. Memorial. Paul rode out from New Brunswick, while Xavier ended his family vacation in Winnipeg a few days early and headed home to Montreal afterward. Xavier's presence held special significance—his father, MCpl Pierre Victor Remillard, was a member of the Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Units who took his own life.
Fellow Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Units member Lise Charron was the founder and driving force behind the Soldiers of Suicide memorial created at our national military cemetery, Beechwood, in Ottawa. Because of her hard work, 22 families have allowed the names and stories of their loved ones to be shared with others, hoping to provide support for families whose loved ones' battles didn't end when their service was done.
Other than the Grande Prairie winds blowing at what felt like Mach nine, the day was beautiful.
As the names of the fallen were read, a lantern bearing their image was placed inside the large memorial lantern built by Kaymor Industrial Solutions. The Grande Prairie Pipes & Drums Band played during this solemn ceremony. Victim Services sent representatives with brochures and support resources to speak with anyone who needed assistance—and they did.
The bell tent from Open Roads Adventures served its purpose well, providing people with a safe place to sit and simply be.
After the ceremony, five vehicles headed out to Blueberry Mountain to visit the VMG & IC museum display there and then stopped at the Chip Kerr Memorial Highway Sign before returning to Veterans Memorial Gardens.
Our summer students, Lachlan and Michael, who had just passed their food safety courses, served a beautiful steak barbecue.
Trapper, as always, was eloquent as he spoke of the need to embrace these soldiers and their families. As founding president of the Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Units, Trapper has had firsthand experience with those experiencing extreme anguish—he even had a soldier he was attempting to help take his own life while on the phone with him. This man has seen and experienced things no one should have to endure.
In all, while this is one of the hardest topics to address, this ceremony marked the start of something we hope will grow.
The families of these soldiers who served our country deserve the same love and consideration as any other military family that has lost a loved one.
The Solidarity Over Silence Memorial stands as a beautiful sentinel for all who need a beacon of hope.
