PAX Centurion - Summer 2014

www.bppa.org PAX CENTURION • Summer 2014 • Page 17 B oth on and off duty Officers, Detectives and Uniformed Officers alike marched side by side, sadly though, fewer than last year. The ranks of the retirees looked much thinner this year also, but there did appear to be more families showing their respect. It was quite a sight to see the formation work its way up to the Memorial being led, proudly I might add, by the department leaders, yes leaders, not managers, not politicians, but leaders. We are lucky enough to have a couple of gentlemen that are leaders, directing this Department. Those same two leaders have been out in front since the day the were appointed and for that I applaud them and thank them. It’s so easy to fall into a management role, to quote rules and regulations, to simply wear it but not live it, we however are very lucky to have two leaders at the helm that talk the talk, walk the walk and always lead by example. Excuse me I digress, our Commissioner and Chief led the way to the Memorial. They climbed the stairs to the altar, followed by the Command Staff dressed in Class A’s. We shared a Mass of Celebration, a celebration of the lives lost in the past year. The Commissioner shared his insight and called upon all of us to never forget, to never give up the heritage of this Department. He called on us to continue these very important events, the remembrance of those that have gone before us, those whose footsteps we walk in. To stand proud and stand tall representing the best Boston has to offer, It was a riveting speech, as most are that are given from the heart, Thank you! The Chief read the roll, name after name of old friends and some that left us way too soon. As the names were read, memories flooded my mind, some funny and some sad but memories I will continue to share. Memories that should be shared, let us never forget those that paved our way. A final salute of 21-guns filled the air with ear shattering crisp bangs and a haunting melody and echo of taps. The Gaelic Column started their tune and the commands from the Honor Guard snapped us all back to where we were. The troops stood tall and made their way down to a reception area at the bottom of the hill. We were honored to have a group of Officers (Bobbies, Coppers) from London share the day with us. Here on vacation but finding out that we were to celebrate, to remember the lives of those gone before, they humbly requested that they be allowed to share in the day by dressing in full dress uniform and parading along with us. These men and woman from across the pond show that we are truly one family. After the ceremony we gathered and shared stories, remembrances and talked to old friends and were lucky enough to make some new ones. That is what this day is all about, remembrances, friendships new and old, and certainly heritage! Our heritage as Police Officers, please don’t let it be forgotten. When people ask me why I joined the Boston Police Relief Association, why I am so involved, well this is just one of those reasons. Please join me and others next year on the first Sunday in June, to not would be a crime, don’t lose your heritage! Stay safe out there! –Pat Rose