Peace Officers Memorial Day 2009 Wreathlaying

As our nation lowered its flags to half staff on Friday, loved ones and colleagues of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty during 2008 gathered at the US Capitol for a special ceremony.

At the conclusion of the US Capitol service, leaders of the Fraternal Order of Police, the FOP Auxiliary, Concerns of Police Survivors and the NLEOMF brought the wreath from the Capitol to the Memorial to remain under the watch of honor guards from all over the country for the rest of the evening. At midnight, a lone piper will play Amazing Grace as flags are returned to full staff signaling the end of Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Of special note, the Miami-Dade Police Department Honor Guard led the Honor Guards and carried the United States Honor Flag.



Many folks spent the afternoon and evening at the Memorial's walls. There were laughter and tears, handshakes and hugs, lots of blue tape, and thousands of name rubbings. There were flowers galore, setting a beautiful backdrop for mementos such as cigars, boots, and even a cruiser door.

But most importantly, there was one element that was critical and common. Sometimes you had to look hard to see it, yet often it was right in your face ... there was peace.

Whether you were walking the walls, sitting at the reflecting pool or at the Memorial's central medallion, you just knew that our fallen heroes would be "Never Alone, Never Forgotten."