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Balwant Sanghera


RCMP's Musical Ride -A Canadian Icon

Surrey, Vancouver, Sep. 07, 2013
Balwant Sanghera

Relatively speaking, Canada is a fairly young nation. Since its inception on July 1, 1867, this country of 35 million people has achieved a lot.  Canada has now become a truly multicultural country. It is a matter of great pride for every Canadian that they have managed to build a very prosperous, inclusive, tolerant, peaceful, free and democratic society.

            At present, there are more than 200 ethnic communities spread throughout this vast country of ours. There will be hardly any country, culture or language in the world that is not represented here. On the whole, each of these communities gets along well with other communities. Multiculturalism has now become one of Canada’s greatest strengths. Its policy of inclusion as well as a strong desire to live peacefully is recognized internationally as one of its greatest assets. Not only that, our free, secular, liberal and democratic society is the envy of others.

                        Canada has a lot of national symbols and icons that are looked upon by every Canadian with great pride. RCMP’s Musical Ride is one such very special national treasure. This Ride was developed in 1876 by early members of the North-West Mounted Police, forerunner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).The main purpose of this Ride was for the national police to display their riding skills and entertain the local communities. Since then, this ride has become an internationally renowned icon.

The Ride consists of 32 well trained RCMP officers and their majestic horses maneuver in a variety of intricate formations set to music. The Musical Ride travels all over Canada entertaining people in different communities .This summer, The Ride was in Fort St. John on July 11 and has been working its way through many other locations. Thanks to the Richmond detachment of the RCMP led by Superintendent Renny Nesset, Richmond residents were treated to the Musical Ride on Wednesday August 28.

                        The Musical Ride took place at the Twin Oakes equestrian facility close to the south arm of the Fraser River. The wide open fields and country setting gave the Ride a real country touch. The Ride was preceded by excellent performances by Steveston Taiko Drummers and the RCMP dog team. The weather was perfect. RCMP’s helicopter Air One did the fly over the sight to start the show. Nearly 3,000 people were thrilled by the beautiful display of formations. This once in a life time display of cavalry drills choreographed to music was very well received by the diverse audience consisting of all ages. They showed their appreciation by on-going thunderous applause. The occasion was graced by the presence of chief guest BC’s Lt. Governor Judith Guichon.

                        RCMP Musical Ride is just one of a number of rich Canadian traditions that have made this country as one of the most desirable places to live in. At the same time, it is to the credit of our national police force that they go out of their way to entertain Canadians in all regions. Gestures like this go a long way in creating pride not only in our national police force but also in bringing us closer to each other as Canadians.

Balwant Sanghera
(Balwant Sanghera is a retired School Psychologist and Community Activist)

 

 

 


                     

 


Balwant Sanghera
President, Punjabi Language Education Association . He is a retired School Psychologist and Community Activist in British Columbia ,Canada.