RCMP Museum ~ Musée de la GRC

Our Guests ~ Archive #5

January to July 2000

Entries are listed in reverse chronological order with oldest ones last.

Very well done! I am very pleased with this site. The only thing that should be changed is to update the info and pics about the academy, they are a little out of date. Keep up the good work. Cst. Trevor J. Penney
Cst. T.J. PENNEY <tlpenney@ns.sympatico.ca>
Bridgewater, ns Canada - Wednesday, July 12, 2000 at 22:26:25 (CST)

Thanks for all the in-depth information on the web site, as well as taking the time to answer our questions! When did the RCMP start using radios? Is there an oath that the cadets say when they graduate? What is the banquet like after the graduation ceremonies? (My brother is graduating in a couple of weeks!)
Susan Elwood <belwood@home.com>
White Rock, BC Canada - Friday, June 30, 2000 at 01:55:51 (CST)

Es hat mir viel spaß bereitet, in Ihrer Homepage zu lesen und viele Informationen zu erhalten. Gruß Geisbüsch
Jürgen Geisbüsch <Nidan.tok@t-online.de>
24376 Kappeln, SH Germany - Sunday, June 25, 2000 at 12:24:45 (CST)

i think this is a great sight i was wondering if you could email me any info regarding baltej singh dhillon a great canadian sikh historical figure. it would be greatly appreciated. thanx harnoor ghuman
harnoor ghuman <noscrubs14@hotmail.com>
london, ontario Canada - Thursday, June 22, 2000 at 13:43:00 (CST)

Loved the site! I'm doing an essay on the history of the RCMP, like when they were called the North West Mounted Police. It is verey interesting and the web site helped alot. 1 question, how did the RCMP help the development in the west? Thanks a bunch!!
Andrea Ducharme <joanlyons@pgonline>
Prince George B,C, Canada - Wednesday, June 14, 2000 at 17:20:06 (CST)

Hey was wondering if anybody knew a Constible named Brian Harris?
Stephanie Archie <Brave_26@yahoo.com>
100 mile house, BC Canada - Wednesday, May 31, 2000 at 10:30:41 (CST)

Webmaster response

RE: Red serge questions...
Hi Dorothy,

Thanks for your comments regarding the RCMP Museum website. Here are some answers to your questions, courtesy of the museum curator, Carmen Harry.

The red uniform worn by Mounties is called a 'red serge' because the fabric used is “serge”. I supposed that's a bit of a circular definition but “serge” is a type of twilled woolen cloth.

As for when the stetson hat is worn rather than the regular police hat with the red serge uniform, only commissioned officers wear the forage cap (regular police hat) when wearing the red serge jacket. All other members wear the regular Stetson hat.

Brent Ostrum, Webmaster
RCMP Centennial Museum Web-site

I love the RCMP Website. It's quite in-depth and I find something new every time I visit it. Can you please tell me what fabric the red surge is? Is there a woven pattern in the fabric? When is the stetson hat worn and when is the regular police hat worn with the red surge? Thanks for a great website.
Dorothy Elwood <dorothyelwood@hotmail.com>
Vancouver, BC Canada - Tuesday, May 30, 2000 at 16:11:09 (CST)

this site is good but I think it needs some pitcures
pete moss <pedros_bosox@hotmail.com>
toronto, ont Canada - Tuesday, May 23, 2000 at 11:42:21 (CST)

Hello! I came here looking for information for a history project. I'm a grade 8 student in london ontario and love the "RCMP" 1 of my good friends wishes to become an "RCMP" officer 1 day! Thank you for this wonderful site! Tarryn H Martin
Tarryn <Haleigh@home.com>
London, Ontario Canada - Monday, May 15, 2000 at 16:14:50 (CST)

Your website is great but it would be really nice if you added more information on the early uniforms and their apperances. Thank You.
amanda romanowski
coldwater, on Canada - Tuesday, May 09, 2000 at 08:41:46 (CST)

I used to live in Canada but my dad got a transfer to the U.S and i'm soposed to do an citizens brouchure about some kind of government and my friends keep telling me to do something about Canada so i picked this.
Chandy Wuerch <nutty_cookie_2000@yahoo.com>
maplewood , Mn U.S - Monday, May 08, 2000 at 11:46:21 (CST)

Très déçu du niveau de francisation de votre site.
Lebastard, Albert Saskatoon, SK Canada - Friday, May 05, 2000 at 22:27:29 (CST)

Webmaster response

RE: Turbans and the RCMP Tradition

Hi Patrick,

Thanks for the compliment. You've asked a very good (and difficult) question. People usually have pretty strong positions one way or the other on this issue. And, the truth is, many people don't think it was a good idea to approve the wearing of a turban or religious items. Nonetheless, following a lengthy court process (which I think ended in 1995), this became a reality in the RCMP.

You can read about the Federal court's legal decision relating to this rather contentious issue at the Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs. Let me warn you that this is a lengthy and complex document but it does cover the issue thoroughly.

In brief, here are some things to consider. The decision to allow the wearing of the Khalsa Sikh turban (see image at right)

was not an easy nor a quick one. The process began in 1980, following the enactment of the Canadian Human Rights Act, but was not formally approved by the Commissioner of the RCMP until 1990. At the time the decision was finally made, the key issue for the Commissioner seems to have been the belief that "not to allow such [the wearing of the turban] would discriminate against Sikhs and, in any event, the wearing of the turban would operate as a demonstration and an acceptance of the present day multicultural nature of Canada."

Right or wrong (and there is a lot to be said on either side), the decision was acceptable to the Federal Court of Canada and is now policy in the RCMP. The turban can be worn in place of the regular RCMP headgear for any and all official functions.

For what it's worth, it might be worth remembering that the stetson was not the first headgear worn by the Mounted Police in Canada. While the stetson was used early in the history of the Force (and it's strongly associated with the RCMP and Canada), the very earliest members of the Force did not wear this style of hat. Instead they wore pillbox hats or pith helmets. Why did they switch? I don't know for sure but I suspect that the pillbox and pith style wouldn't provide much protection from the elements or the sun. The stetson would definitely be a better choice in those conditions.

Brent Ostrum, Webmaster
RCMP Centennial Museum Web-site

Hi great site one question when and why do the "Royal Canadian MOunted Police" allow turbans to be worn that loses the canadian tradition and hertitage please let me know thanks
Patrick <oakleypeaire@home.com>
Toronto, ON Canada - Friday, May 05, 2000 at 19:01:37 (CST)

Webmaster response

RE: French Version of the Museum

General Notice,

Several people have asked why we don't have a bilingual version of the museum online. That's a really good question and I thought it would be appropriate to answer the question here.

The basic reason is we don't have funding to cover the cost of translating the site. That isn't a good reason but it's a reality at this time. Remember that the RCMP museum is, to some degree, independent of the RCMP itself and we don't have access to the same resources.

Nonetheless, we are committed to providing a fully bilingual site as soon as we can and we're slowly working towards that goal. It just means that it will take some time to get it in place.

I'm happy to say that we've taken the first step in that direction. We now have the museum tour itself translated and online. To view the French version, please check out http://mpmuseum.sasktelwebhosting.com/museum/index-fr.html. I hope you like it.

P.S. if we've made any errors in the translation, please let us know. Thank you.

Brent Ostrum, Webmaster
RCMP Centennial Museum Web-site

Awsome sight!
Megan Rushton
Westchester, Station, NS Canada - Friday, April 14, 2000 at 10:38:18 (CST)

Very nice. I like the picture of the old suit and then the new one.
Sandra <s_thompson_1234@yahoo.com>
Toronto, On Canada - Thursday, April 13, 2000 at 09:17:13 (CST)

I have really enjoyed the RCMP web pages I have seen. We are having a law enforcement appreciation banquet on May 22 and our speaker is a former RCMP officer. I have been researching information to provide an informational presentation for our law enforcement officers and have gathered wonderful stuff from the various sites I have visited. Thank you so much. It has also encouraged me to take my granddaughter to visit canada it will be interesting for her and also educational.
Denise Fluth <capstone@midstatesd.net>
Chamberlain, sd USA - Tuesday, March 28, 2000 at 21:09:50 (CST)

"SOS" Sirius ASK asks ! Dear manager I am Mohammad Ali,a 32 y/o Iranian who is involved in medicine as a general practitioner .I head the Sirius Astronomical Society of Kermanshah(Sirius ASK). Our society is going to make up a national museum of art and culture in Kermanshah and we need your help.Would you please send some information and sample copies of your bulletin or magazine? I realy enjoyed your site.If you can not help please forward this letter to a corresponding person.I have limited interenet connection use in the sense of time. If you want to know more about me please have a look at the following addresses. Thank you Yours Faithfully M.A.Khodayari M.D. My address is as follows : Mohammad Ali Khodayari M.D. , Post Box 67145-1416 Kermanshah , Iran E-mail : mkhodayari@yahoo.com Phone : 0098-831-722444 Fax : 0098-831-760863 Here's my story .Please read it carefully ! Have a look at my Yahoo profile and homepage in http://profiles.yahoo.com/mkhodayari http://hometown.aol.com/mkhodayarim/myhomepage/index.html
Mohammad Ali Khodayari <mkhodayari@yahoo.com>
Kermanshah, Kermanshah Iran - Sunday, March 19, 2000 at 15:27:02 (CST)

Great site! I work as a law enforcement officer and have to say that the RCMP is one of the best agencies I've ever had the pleasure to work with.
Bill McMasters
Tyler, AZ USA - Thursday, March 09, 2000 at 08:27:04 (CST)

Webmaster response

RE: What did the RCMP ever do...
Hi Tyler, Although I suspect your question isn't intended to be serious I will try to give you an answer.

I don't know you personally so I can't tell you what the RCMP has done for you as an individual. Maybe nothing. Maybe a lot.

So let's look at this in another way. What does the RCMP do for Canada and Canadians, in general? I'm sure others could answer this much better than I can but here are a few things to consider. The RCMP has many roles as a law enforcement agency. They include but certainly aren't limited to:

Federal policing: organized crime, drug enforcement, customs/excise, etc.
Provinicial policing: highway patrol, crime watches,
Municipal policing: you name it, the RCMP does it...
Other: National Police Services including CPIC, the Forensic Laboratories, Canadian Police College; Peace keeping

Maybe none of the above mean anything to you. If so, I guess you can say that the RCMP 'does nothing' for you. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

I personally think it would be great if there was no need for any police agencies. But that isn't reality. Canada is a great country and it's due, in no small part, to the RCMP and it's members. The organization isn't perfect (is there such a thing?) but it's one that we can all be proud of. If you are a Canadian maybe it's time you gave these a little thought...

Brent Ostrum, Webmaster
RCMP Centennial Museum Web-site

WHAT DID THE RCMP EVER DO FOR ME?????????
Tyler Cohen <pavel_9@hotmail.com>
Toronto, ON Canada - Monday, March 06, 2000 at 09:25:54 (CST)

Webmaster response

RE: Site updates

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for your comments. We're planning some major revisions to the site in the near future so be sure to check the site again soon.

Brent Ostrum, Webmaster
RCMP Centennial Museum Web-site

I Like the webpage but you should up date your webpage so people would come back. You should put new pictures an information about new cars, weapons, crisis. But I must say it is a very good webpage. Buh Bye Andrew
Andrew Bonang <a_bonang@yahoo.com>
sydney, NS Canada - Saturday, February 19, 2000 at 18:27:20 (CST)

excellent web site very interestising next time in regina will visit
rory ingram <rory.ingram@sk.sympatico.ca>
saskatoon, sk Canada - Saturday, February 19, 2000 at 18:20:02 (CST)

Webmaster response

RE: Red Serge History

Hi Hammer,

I'll have to do some research on the topic in order to give you a complete answer. To my knowledge, there were two main reasons why the RCMP, then called the North West Mounted Police, used a red tunic. First, it continued a long-standing British Military tradition and, second, it was different from the blue coats of the American/US Cavalry.

I'll try to find you some better information sources but please send me your e-mail address so that I can forward the information directly to you. Thanks.

Brent Ostrum, Webmaster
RCMP Centennial Museum Web-site

IM A STUDENT FROM CANADA AND I'M LIVING IN FRANCE FOR A YEAR. I HAVE TO DO A PRESENTATION ON CANADA IN APRIL AND I WOULD LIKE TO TELL THE FRENCH ABOUT YOU "THE CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE". I'M UNABLE TO FIND THE INFORMATION THAT IM LOOKING FOR ON THE INTERNET.MY QUESTION IS "WHAT DOES THE CLOTHING REPRESENT, AN EXAMPLE BEING WHY THE COLOR RED?" > copy--------------------------------------------
Hammer Chancee
Canada - Friday, February 18, 2000 at 07:04:24 (CST)

I very much enjoyed the virtual "walk about!" The tour means more to me than I can say as my husband just left for depot two days ago! I feel more connected to him now that I have been able to see depot and its surroundings. I had no idea that the buildings and its grounds are so beautiful and full of character! I very much look forward to visiting!
Dorothy Elwood <bewood@home.com>
Vancouver, BC Canada - Tuesday, February 15, 2000 at 17:10:02 (CST)

Dear RCMP, I am doing a project on the RCMP, and I would like to a little more about the RCMP's involvement in the "Gold Rush." Also, I would like to know more about the beggining of the RCMP. If this information is available, please send me it. I appreciate your time. Thankfully, DDubious P.S. I'm not sending this from my own computer, so please send the response to the address I have given you.
DDubious <DDubious@yahoo.com>
Sudbury, ontario Canada - Thursday, February 03, 2000 at 19:09:25 (CST)

Hi! This site is very cool! I think the RCMP should be very proud of it. I visit Canada a lot and it's a great country with great people. I've never been 'out west' to Saskatchewan but I think I'm going to take a trip there sometime soon. Thanks for the great information.
Marcy Trembell <mtremb1@digitalnet.net>
usa - Monday, January 31, 2000 at 09:23:04 (CST)

Very interesting Web Site. Mais malheureusement le Site Français était inaccessible.
Jacques Demers <tony.demers@sympatico.ca>
Sherbrooke, Qc Canada - Saturday, January 22, 2000 at 15:54:19 (CST)

Please allow me to compliment you on this site! Now I know so much more about the subject that fascinates me. Unfortunately I've never been to Canada but I'm still young and who knows what will happen in the future. If I ever do I promise to bring a visit to the museum. Untill then I'll have to do with this great site. Greetings
Yvonne <yv.bles@wxs.nl>
Utrecht, The Netherlands - Thursday, January 13, 2000 at 14:11:00 (CST)

Wow!!! I hadn't visited this site for a while and I just checked out the store again. The new images are great. It really helps to see what the items look like when you are trying to decide whether or not to buy something. Keep up the good work!
Bill McKenzie
Canada - Friday, January 07, 2000 at 23:55:36 (CST)

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Last update: 2005.01.15