To update: 10:01 am Friday, November 12th 2021
The Kelowna RCMP is asking the public for assistance in investigating the malfunction in the cenotaph yesterday.
Anyone who videotaped the incident or the events leading to it is asked to upload a video or send a link to the video using the following email proxy:
KelownaRemembranceDayVideos@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
This proxy is available until November 30, 2021.
To update: 5:40 a.m. Friday, November 12, 2021
Former RCMP officer Larry Burnett was upset about what happened at the Cenotaph yesterday.
“It’s so heartbreaking, disrespectful, dishonorable, just an absolute kick in the pit of your stomach for anyone and everyone who has value when it comes to our veterans and the freedom we have.” .
Burnett was at the memorial to honor a friend.
“I got another poppy, put it back on a card with his name on it, and got on my knees and apologized to him and all the other veterans for the terrible thing that just happened. I just asked them to come to us to forgive everyone. ”
Kelowna Pastor Tim Schroeder was also at the memorial. He says that despite what happened, it was still one of the most meaningful and special memorial days he has ever lived. “
“I don’t think I’ve ever been more proud to be Canadian. That wasn’t organized, that was the basis, it was spontaneous. They were Canadians at their best that we want to remember. I had tears in my eyes. It was so moving. ”
Original: 6:14 p.m. Thursday, 11/11/2021
At 10:55 a.m., RCMP officials in Kelowna responded to a report from 75-100 protesters at the Kelowna cenotaph. Ceremonies across town had been restricted due to the pandemic; however, members of the public as well as veterans gathered to remember. Protesters interrupted the gathering and RCMP officials attended to keep the peace.
“The Kelowna RCMP officials support the right of any person or group to protest, but if they choose to deliberately interrupt the gathering of citizens at a memorial service; that is a step too far. The Kelowna RCMP will conduct a full investigation into this event to determine what criminal offenses, criminal or otherwise, have been committed and to file charges or fines, if any. ”Said Insp. Adam MacIntosh Operations Officer – Kelowna RCMP
Anyone who recorded the disruption on video is asked to submit a copy of the video to the Kelowna RCMP. The RCMP is in the process of creating an email proxy for this purpose and more information will be made available shortly.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 or remain completely anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or posting a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net
