May 12-18 is National Police Week. There are a few services and fundraisers in Champaign County that all are invited to attend. May 17 Police Memorial Service at West Side Park at 11:15 a.m. Friday, May 17, 6:00 AM –11:30 AM: Cop on a Rooftop @ area Dunkin Donuts locations
By Lutz Braunig
As 2019 rolls into the month of May, thoughts of Law Enforcement Memorial services come to mind. It is a solemn time, a time of reflection as well as a time of great pride. The date for the National Memorial Day is May 15th. This years’ service will honour 144 local, state and federal officers who paid the ultimate price for our safety in 2018. This is an increase from 129 in 2017.
Moms and dads gather as Gold Star recipients as do husbands and wives. LODs (Line of Duty) do not just impact the department or the immediate family; they impact a multitude of people.
So, let’s look at the reason behind these memorials. One is that we want to remember our loved one. The community wants to pay honour to their LEO (Law Enforcement Officer) in a way to say “thanks for your sacrifice.” This is also a reminder that there are others who follow in the footsteps of the fallen heroes. It is an opportunity to present the squads, put on the class “A’s” along with some spit and polish to look our very best for the procession through town as spectators pause to reflect on the meaning of the day.
We read so much negativity in the news today, pointing fingers one way or the other, trying to pass blame and yes some even try to profit from these events. But we fail to remember the hurting loved ones left behind, when the man or woman who pins on the badge and straps on the gun to go where we wouldn’t, loses their life. Services like these are needed to remind us that these men and women were special people. People who had a calling on their lives to become “Peace Officers.” It seems almost laughable to use that expression with so much death.
The memorial services are in our local towns and villages, along within the state capitals. Our state service in Springfield will draw officers from all departments within Illinois. For the state procession, we gather at the state fairgrounds then parade with the Motors leading followed by Squads, then officers in non-police vehicles with lights flashing, headed to an appointed church for services to honour the fallen from Illinois. This is not only from the previous year, but also from years past, so that we might get all deserving officers on the roll.
After the service at the church, we move on to the Memorial at the State Capitol to place wreaths, so we might honor the fallen. During these services we hear from an assortment of Chiefs and Sheriffs along with some political figures. Drums and bagpipes are played along with Taps at the end.
The comradery between officers, family’s children, is filled with laughter and tears. But as you live, you understand the words, “Rest Officers, we have this now.” It’s given us a sense of hope, that good will win out.
So as this year’s events take place in Champaign, Urbana, Springfield, Washington D.C., pull over with a show of respect, offer a handshake and a word of thanks to an officer you meet. It will be appreciated. God Bless our LEO’s.
