|
I hope this article finds
everyone well. For the past few months I have been busy
attending police memorials in Cleveland; to Ohio's at
OPOTA; to the National in
Washington DC. Every year I continue to be amazed by the outpouring of
support, the togetherness, and bond within our
law enforcement community.
I commend Brother Bill
Sweeney
and the memorial committee, on what I believe was the best service ever held by the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers
Memorial Society. I remember attending the very
first service when we assembled at the old Municipal Stadium. Over the years I believe I have only missed two of the
eighteen services that have been held and
comparatively, this year's was just outstanding. The addition of the
big screen so that everyone could follow what
was taking place was great. Planning such an
event takes a lot of work and hours by many people. However, in the end it
all pays off when we gather to remember and
salute those who have given their all to this profession we enjoy so much.
I also want to thank
those who attended this years first ever FOP Law Enforcement
Motorcade to the
Ohio Peace Officers Memorials Service. We had
in excess of 60 participating cars stretching
nearly two miles long down Interstate 70 heading toward London,
Ohio. What a sight! Once again demonstrating the bond we hold within our
profession. I anticipate and encourage an even
larger assembly before next year's ceremony.
And of course National
Police Week in Washington
D.C. Wow! What a ceremony.
This clearly had to be one of the largest gatherings to date. Everything
from the Candlelight Vigil, to the Survivors Dinner, to the Memorial
Service held on the lawn at the Capitol. It was
estimated that more than 60,000 were in attendance from all across
our country. I commend the Grand Lodge
Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary for the dedication
and commitment they have shown in honoring the more than 3,000 law
enforcement officers nationwide over the last
21 years.
The FOP Grand Lodge, the
Auxiliary, and others who participated in the ceremony are
proof to the commitment we share with one
another. The motto of the FOP Auxiliary
"Never Let Them Walk Alone"
speaks for itself.
Fraternally,
Nick DiMarco
President |