In the late afternoon of Sunday, November 2, 2014, just as the sun was setting, we had the opportunity to visit the Parliament grounds and the War Memorial in Ottawa. Our visit took place only 11 days after the events that changed our country’s sense of security forever.
A lone gunman shot and fatally wounded a member of the Canadian Forces who was on duty guarding the National War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The gunman then proceeded by means of a stolen government vehicle to Parliament’s Centre Block across the street, where he was later shot and killed by the Sergeant at Arms.
We had just attended a prophecy seminar with Darris and Debbie McNeely in Nepean about 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa. As we approached the War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, we could see several members of the public paying their respects by placing flowers next to the tomb. Others were taking pictures of the guards on duty. There was a heightened security presence with two heavily armed policemen who spoke with the many tourists and visitors there.
It was surreal to think about the cowardly act that had taken place on the very spot where we stood. What was also so unreal was how close the gunman was to the Parliament buildings—the House of Commons and the Senate. It is unthinkable that he was able to enter the building where hundreds of parliamentarians, including the Prime Minister, were gathered for their Wednesday caucus meetings.
As we left the War Memorial, we walked toward the Parliament buildings passing the Centennial Flame which was lit on January 1, 1967, to celebrate Canada’s 100th birthday. The Flame is fueled by natural gas and surrounded by a fountain whose ledge contains the shields of Canada’s provinces and territories.
After leaving the Centennial Flame, we walked the stairs leading up to the Peace Tower and Centre Block. My heart was beating faster as we walked up to the very doors where the gunman had entered. It was a numbing experience to look through the doors just closed for the daily public tours. As we peeked through those doors, security guards were mingling about, likely still awestruck by the sobering event of only a few days previous.
This was an event that has left Canadians asking the question, “How could this happen here in our country—one of the most peaceful nations on earth?” The tragic shootings have left Canadians with a feeling of violation. The world came to our shores that fateful day and with it took away our sense of innocence.
After the seminar’s message, which talked about prophetic signs before Christ’s return, and visiting the site of the recent events on Parliament Hill, we left more determined than ever to pray, “Thy Kingdom Come!”
