A year later, Mayerthorpe remembers 4 slain Mounties
The residents of Mayerthorpe, Alta., are marking a solemn and grim anniversary on Friday â the death a year ago of four young officers in the worst massacre in the RCMP's history.
- IN DEPTH: RCMP officers killed in Rochfort Bridge
On March 2 last year, constables Brock Myrol, Lionide (Leo) Johnston, Peter Schiemann and Anthony Gordon  who were just starting their careers  wound up on the doorstep of James Roszko's farm in Rochfort Bridge.
Less than 24 hours later, they were dead, along with their killer, Roszko, who turned the gun on himself.
- FROM MAR. 4, 2005: 4 RCMP officers killed on Alberta farm
Many want to be alone
One year later, many in the community have said they simply want to grieve in private.
Their memories are tinged with pride, sadness and lingering questions about the tragedy.
"I don't think the energy is there to be in front of the media again and I don't think that's appropriate to do that anyway," said Const. Joe Sangster, a colleague of the slain Mounties.
Sangster planned to spend the day with his family and other officers in the detachment.
In place of public memorials or tributes, the town organized a silent auction and hockey game on Thursday.
The initiatives were spearheaded by the Mayerthorpe Fallen Four Society, which was established to honour the slain officers.
Plans for memorial
Proceeds from the auction will be used to build a memorial of four bronze statues.
Margaret Thibault, president of the society, says the community needs to channel their emotions into something concrete.
"We're focusing on what we can do to ensure their memories are always in our hearts, something tangible that we can look on with pride on their behalf," said Thibault.
The society has already collected more than $250,000 towards it goal of $1.5 million for the memorial.
An evening prayer service is so far the only organized event for Friday.