Ottawa marked the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack on Parliament House on Tuesday. But for the families of the reservists killed that day, the memories remain fresh.
“I can’t believe it’s been 10 years. It seems like yesterday,” Ephraim Cirillo said after a private family ceremony at the National War Memorial.
His cousin, a 24-year-old corporal. Nathan Cirillo was shot and killed on October 22, 2014, while guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the monument. The gunman also fired at the corporal. Branden Stevenson, who was guarding the scene with Cirillo that morning.
Ephraim Cirillo said Stevenson was one of his best friends.
“It hurt just knowing that my best friend was there for (Nathan),” he said, adding, “It was great to know that Branden comforted Nathan as he took his last breaths.”
Politicians have issued statements to mark the day and are observing a moment of silence in the House of Commons on Tuesday afternoon.
Ephraim Cirillo said he wants people to remember Nathan’s courage and love for his family.
“He was brave, he was a leader, he was a great human being. I wish he was still here.”
Ephraim said he has visited the memorial almost every year since the attack to honor Nathan and support his mother. The cousins were only one year and one day apart in age and often celebrated birthdays together.
After targeting Cirillo, the gunman headed down the street to Parliament Hill and into the Center Block, where he fired several shots before dying.
The attack took place at the Hall of Fame while Conservative and National Democratic Party members were gathering in surrounding committee rooms for their weekly caucus. This forced then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper and members of Parliament into a lockdown for several hours and drew attention to the lax security on and around Parliament Hill.
Political leaders celebrate anniversary
Political leaders also mentioned the death of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, who was killed in a separate terrorist attack two days before the shooting at the Capitol in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.
“Today, our hearts are with their families and friends as they continue to grieve the loss of their loved ones,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement.
He said that despite the fear and sadness that October 22 brought, he also remembers how people came together to protect and support each other.
“And above all, we all remember the service and sacrifice of those who stood guard and those who rushed into danger to save lives,” he said.
“That’s what we remember today and what we must never forget.”
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poièvre also thanked Cirillo and those who rushed to help first responders.
“Conservatives will always fight for freedom over fear, light over darkness,” he said. “May their memories rededicate us to this important mission.”
