The sergeant-in-arms responsible for shooting Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, the gunman who attacked government buildings in Ottawa on Wednesday, received a standing ovation as he entered the parliament building for the first time since the incident.
Striding into the hall carrying a ceremonial gold mace, Kevin Vickers led House Speaker Andrew Scheer into the Commons to an rapturous reception; the 58-year-old was visibly moved by the greeting, applause resounding from all sides of the House.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper addressed the country, concluding his remarks by standing and walking over to Vickers who was seated at the back of the room, thanking the veteran for his courage in dealing with the gunman.