It was a sombre gathering under grey skies at the cenotaph Saturday afternoon on the lawn of City Hall as friends, family, dignitaries and members of the Rocky Mountain Rangers honoured the memory of Pte. Kirby Tott, who was killed during routine military training at the Canadian Forces base Shilo in Manitoba in July 2015.
Mayor Lyn Hall said a few words of appreciation to recognize Pte. Kirby Tott for his commitment to city and country.
After Tott's parents, Craig and Michelle, laid a wreath upon the cenotaph, with a promise that Kirby's name will be etched into the stone structure in June, Shirley Bond, MLA said a few words as well.
"Most importantly today I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude and share the sorrow of the loss of your son," Bond said, addressing Craig and Michelle directly. She went on to thank the Tott's for sharing Kirby with Prince George and Canada and to acknowledge the loss they have experienced.
"As we read Kirby's name on the cenotaph - one thing that brings me comfort and I hope it will you - when we are long past our time here, Kirby and the other names will never be forgotten because this monument will now bear his name," Bond said to Craig and Michelle, with her hand over her heart.
After the short ceremony, Michelle said the occasion offered validation for Kirby's service and that his time in the military was valued.
"It's just nice to see that he is being honoured in this way," Michelle said. "We'd like to thank everyone who came out for the occasion and it was really nice to see the Rocky Mountain Rangers here as Kirby was a member. It was really important to us and I'm really glad they showed up."
