Published: May 11, 2008 01:42 am            

Police memorial set Monday

The speakers will talk about dedication, devotion to duty and honor. A color guard will display the flags and a 21-gun salute will be fired.

A bugler will play “Taps” on the courthouse lawn, the notes moaning into the afternoon air, wafting its way into the ears — and hearts — of those present.

Local law enforcement will honor their brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others during ceremonies set for 5:15 p.m. Monday on the Navarro County Courthouse square.

“It’s a time to recognize the contribution police make in preserving tranquility for our citizens,” Corsicana Police Chief G.M. Cox said. “Their effort makes it possible for us to go about our day-to-day lives.”

The memorial service program honors law enforcement personnel killed in the line of duty and kicks off the week-long National Police Week which begins today and runs through Saturday.

Cox will act as master of ceremonies for Monday’s ceremonies with the CPD Color Guard ceremoniously presenting the flags and a compilation Honor Guard from all branches of law enforcement participating in the 21-gun salute.

Sheriff Les Cotten will perform the “Reading of the Roll” — this list of names of the fallen officers.

Officer Greg Riddle of the Ft. Worth Police Department, who is a former CPD officer, will sing the National Anthem and another selection.

“I guess in the last 14 years we’ve been doing this, he’s sang in it every year except one,” Cox said. “I’m sure it means a lot to him.”

Police Memorial Week was signed into law in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy. It is always held during the Sunday-to-Monday time frame that includes May 15, which is the official Police Memorial Day.

As part of a 1994 amendment to the law, on May 15 each year all U.S. flags displayed on government buildings will be flown at half-mast in memory of the fallen officers.

“It is the ultimate sacrifice,” Cox said. “Officers go about a job that helps their fellow citizens and puts themselves in harm’s way.”

—————

Loyd Cook may be reached via e-mail at lcook@corsicanadailysun.com

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.