Canadians woke up Thursday to a country deeply affected by the shooting in Ottawa on Wednesday and hit-and-run attack on two soldiers in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., Monday.
Canadians' collective response on social media has been focused on solidarity, patriotism and tribute to the victims of the crimes. Here's a look at how Canadians are reacting this morning:
Hashtag solidarity: #MyOttawa
Ottawa residents are sharing images of their city and using #MyOttawa hashtag to express how they would like the world to see it.
#myottawa also mourns a loss RIP to both servicemen killed this week on Ottawa and St Jean sur Richilieu pic.twitter.com/OKqQ56BzKX
— BIG FRIENDLY CANUCK (@6foot8cdngooner) October 23, 2014
Here's view from Centre Block looking down on Ottawa's Parliament Hill, shortly before Canada Day (2014). https://t.co/dWoQoiYxMa #MyOttawa
— Elizabeth Howell (@howellspace) October 23, 2014
#myottawa. This morning. Still beautiful, a day removed from tragedy. Rideau Canal at dawn. #OttawaStrong pic.twitter.com/YcV0VgXyDh
— BIG FRIENDLY CANUCK (@6foot8cdngooner) October 23, 2014
War Memorial
Canadians are also sharing images and tributes about the War Memorial, the site at which Cpl. Nathan Cirillo was killed. Members of Parliament and the public met Thursday morning to honour Cpl. Cirillo.
Taken this morning. Let us remember him standing tall and on guard. RIP Nathan Cirillo. #CanadaStrong pic.twitter.com/TRiX1li6Ne
— Justin Mathews (@JustMath19) October 23, 2014
Flowers a block from the War Memorial pic.twitter.com/7t0SORs7u2
— Laura Payton (@laura_payton) October 23, 2014
Visitors gathered at the barricade at the war memorial. pic.twitter.com/9I5V4keOmu
— Bruce Campion-Smith (@yowflier) October 23, 2014
Expressions of patriotism
Another reaction this morning from Canadians is showing their patriotism and expressing their support for members of the Canadian Forces. Many also expressed their appreciation to the Pittsburgh Penguins organization for their tribute to Canada before a game against the Flyers Wednesday by singing O' Canada.
My photo edit tribute to Patrice Vincent and Nathan Cirillo #CanadaStrong #MyCanada (all pictures are public domain) pic.twitter.com/SMPEnixiq9
— Becky Menzies (@MenziesBecky) October 23, 2014
An especially colourful display of protest camouflage pants by #Montreal #police this morning. #SPVM pic.twitter.com/jZ2l18FQQM
— Ingrid Peritz (@iperitz) October 23, 2014
I'm wearing my red today. Are you? #CanadaStrong #Patriot #Canada #neverforget pic.twitter.com/gjAqHH8Fmv
— Courtney Taylor (@courttee) October 23, 2014
Very classy of Pittsburgh to sing Oh Canada to support our country and Ottawa before this evenings game. https://t.co/Bw8jlB1otX
— Nancy Slater (@SlaterOnTheMic) October 23, 2014
Poppies
They're a well-recognized symbol of tribute and appreciation. Every November Canadians wear poppies to commemorate Canada's contributions to conflicts and honour fallen soldiers. This year, Canadians are donning poppies earlier.
Wearing a poppy today. A little earlier than usual, but seems appropriate. #cdnpoli
— Emmett Macfarlane (@EmmMacfarlane) October 23, 2014
I’m wearing a poppy early this year. Starting today. #MyOttawa #ottawashooting pic.twitter.com/9qtR80mpYB
— andrea tomkins (@missfish) October 23, 2014
Honouring Nathan Cirillo today by putting out poppies a little earlier this year. Please help yourself to a poppy. pic.twitter.com/ButM4bUsAk
— Bear Creek Library (@BCSSLibrary) October 23, 2014
Please wear a poppy today for our fallen soldiers. #CanadaStrong @BTtoronto pic.twitter.com/NOvX28R6XK
— Kevin Frankish (@KevinFrankish) October 23, 2014