Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers will stand alongside veterans and Legion members at Pincher Creek’s Remembrance Day ceremony, continuing a long tradition of honouring shared service to Canada.

Officers wearing the RCMP’s distinctive ceremonial uniform, the Red Serge, will participate in the Nov. 11 ceremony at Community Hall, joined by firefighters and community peace officers.

“RCMP will be attending the Remembrance Day Ceremony with the local Legion to honour and remember the men and women who served, and continue to serve, this nation,” says Const. Rachel Welsh of the Pincher Creek detachment.

The Royal Canadian Legion has long recognized the RCMP as part of its service family, with officers serving as sentries and active participants in annual ceremonies.

“They’ve always been involved in our services over the years,” says Dick Burnham, service officer for the Pincher Creek Legion. “They are an honour guard at the cenotaph that we have set up and they have always taken part.”

The Legion recognizes RCMP members as ordinary members and veterans, acknowledging their service in various conflicts and peacekeeping missions over the decades.

Retired RCMP member Nigel Whittington will assist with wreath-laying during this year’s ceremony.

Burnham says the Legion values its bond with the RCMP and other emergency services.

“I think it strengthens the bond, and it’s good to recognize them and we welcome them as members of the Legion,” he says. “We have always been very happy to have them involved.”

Personal meaning for officer

“Remembrance Day is a time to honour sacrifice, service and duty,” says Const. Welsh, who comes from a military family.

“The act of remembrance is deeply personal and important to me. With being an RCMP officer we are part of the Armed Forces regiment, so we both honour those who have served this country.”

Welsh says strong values are instilled in RCMP officers early in their training, where drill classes emphasize respect for the uniform and pride in belonging to a national police service with deep roots in Canadian history.

“It makes me proud and honoured to be a Canadian putting on the RCMP uniform every day,” she shares. “Remembrance Day reminds us officers of the courage, loyalty and integrity that comes with wearing the uniform.”

Ongoing veteran services

The Legion’s commitment to RCMP members extends beyond Remembrance Day through year-round veteran services.

“Our veteran service branch across Canada and our local service officer will help them deal with any problems they have with their pensions and disability claims,” Burnham says.

Several retired RCMP members continue to reside and maintain community connections in Pincher Creek.

Community support encouraged

Burnham encourages community support for all veterans through the local Poppy Campaign.

“Our funds are used to assist veterans locally — both Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP and their families.”

Burnham’s work continues year-round as he helps veterans with their needs. As soon as the Nov. 11 ceremony is done, he will start working on next year’s campaign.

Read the complete 2025 Shootin’ the Breeze Remembrance Day Feature

Strong local journalism matters to Canadian communities

This article was reported and written by Shootin’ the Breeze’s Local Journalism Initiative reporter.

The Local Journalism Initiative is a federally funded program that supports original public-interest journalism in smaller or underserved communities across Canada. Content produced through the initiative is editorially independent and may be shared by other Canadian media outlets.

Stories like this are reported to keep readers informed and connected — and to reflect real Canadian life.