This Powerful Cartoon About the Ottawa Shooting Is Bringing Canada to Tears

An editorial cartoon has touched Canadians who were affected by the shooting at the National War Memorial in Ottawa yesterday.

Chronicle Herald‘s cartoonist Bruce MacKinnon drew one of the memorial’s bronze World War I soldiers offering a hand to Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, the 24-year-old reservist who was killed, as a soldier kneels by his side:

“That’s the part that touched me – the feet,” Ian Thompson, associate publisher of the Chronicle Herald, said in a statement.

The illustration prompted an emotional outpouring on Twitter:

Bringing peaceful thoughts to a difficult situation. Thank-you @CH_Cartoon of the @chronicleherald #OttawaShooting pic.twitter.com/hUV4mH2yXJ

— Timothy M. Smith (@timsmith2000) October 23, 2014

Cried looking at @CH_Cartoon this morning, cried describing it to a colleague. Will try not to cry during interview just after 3pm today.

— CBC Mainstreet Hfx (@Mainstreethfx) October 23, 2014

@AntonyRobart @CH_Cartoon @chronicleherald pictures can often express things so much better than words. Truly moving

— Alison Edward (@SimplyBalances) October 23, 2014

@CH_Cartoon Your Cartoon Tribute has transcended borders, nationalities and cultures... An image that will be recognisable for a decade.

— Charlie Innocent (@CharlieInnocent) October 23, 2014