Surrey, British Columbia
Mr. Searle is a Constable with the RCMP Surrey Detachment. In early 2005, Mr. Searle noticed a number of unmarked graves in the Field of Honour at the Sunnyside Lawn Cemetery in South Surrey. He then spent countless volunteer hours to research and identify all of the remains buried in the unmarked graves. He then set out to engage community partners including the Royal Canadian Legion and local Veterans in “Operation Remembrance." This remarkable project culminated in a May 26, 2006 ceremony which formally honoured 36 men who had served Canada and our allies during its times of greatest need. In addition to coordinating the project, Mr. Searle conducted more than 100 community presentations as an outreach program, raised more than $30,000 in donations which contributed to the cost of the markers, a facelift for the Cenotaph and a new remembrance garden for the Field of Honour. Through his vision of active remembrance and tireless leadership, Mr. Searle has ensured that the stories of our Veterans will be kept alive for future generations. He is now assisting communities in British Columbia to mark and honour the final resting places of local Veterans.