Ottawa marked the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack on Parliament Hill Tuesday — but for the family of the reservist who was killed that day, the memory is still raw.
“I can’t believe it’s been 10 years. It felt like it was yesterday,” Ephraim Cirillo said after a private family ceremony held at the National War Memorial.
His cousin, 24-year-old Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, was shot to death on Oct. 22, 2014, while he was guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the memorial. The gunman also shot at Cpl. Branden Stevenson, who was guarding the site with Cirillo that morning.
Ephraim Cirillo said Stevenson is one of his best friends.
“It was tough just knowing that my best friend was beside (Nathan) as well,” he said, adding that “it was nice to know that Nathan had Branden to comfort him in his final breaths.”
Politicians issued statements to mark the day and are holding a moment of silence in the House of Commons Tuesday afternoon.
Ephraim Cirillo said he wants people to remember Nathan’s bravery and love for his family.
“He was brave, he was a leader, he was an amazing human being. I wish he could still be here today,” he said.
Ephraim said he’s visited the memorial almost every year since the attack to honour Nathan and support his mother. The cousins were just a year and a day apart in age, and used to celebrate their birthdays together, he said.
After targeting Cirillo, the gunman made his way down the street to Parliament Hill and entered Centre Block, where he fired multiple shots before he was killed.
The attack happened in the Hall of Honour while Conservative and NDP MPs were gathered in surrounding committee rooms for their weekly caucus meetings. It forced then-prime minister Stephen Harper and MPs into lockdown for hours, and drew attention to security lapses on and around Parliament Hill.
Political leaders mark anniversary
Political leaders also marked the death of warrant officer Patrice Vincent, who was killed in a separate terrorist attack two days before the Parliament Hill shooting in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.
“Today, our hearts are with their families and friends who still grieve the loss of their loved ones,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement.
He said that despite the terror and grief that Oct. 22 brought, he also remembers people coming together to protect and support one another.
“And above all, we all remember the service and the sacrifice of those who stood guard, and those who rushed toward danger to save lives,” he said.
“That is what we remember today, and what we must never forget.”
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also thanked those who rushed to help Cirillo and the first responders.
“Conservatives will always fight for freedom over fear and light over darkness,” he said. “May the memories of these two men rededicate us to this essential mission.”