Approximately 175 guests were in attendance including the signatories of the bilateral partnership agreement – Mrs Grete Hale, Chair of the Beechwood Cemetery Foundation and Al Haggerty, a Past President of the Ottawa Divisionof the RCMP Veterans’ Association. Also present were Al Rivard, a Past President of the Ottawa Division, RCMP Veterans’ Association and RCMP Commissioner (retired) Giuliano Zaccardelli who signed the trilateral memorandum of agreement with Mrs. Hale in 2006.

The RCMP National Memorial Cemetery began as a concept several years ago and, with th leadership of Chief Superintendent Bill Becker (retired), the idea finally took root in December 2002, Under the direction of Deputy
Commissioner Roy Berlinquette (retired), several volunteers from the RCMP Veterans’ Association Ottawa Division, the RCMP and The Beechwood Cemetery Foundation worked together in a trilateral partnership to make a project of this magnitude a reality. The Cemetery is open to retired and current members of the RCMP, civilian members, special constables and members of their families. Public servants who have 20 years or more of uninterrupted service with the RCMP are also eligible.

The fact that this cemetery is for RCMP employees and their families is unique and reflects the sense of family that is a distinguishing factor in the lives of members of the RCMP