Memorial Services Remind Us Of The Importance Of Unity
June 2, 2017 at 3:49 p.m.
By Joe Thallemer-
It was the picture perfect day in our beautiful cemetery to recognize their sacrifice. A roll call of those brave men and women from our community who have left us this past year was read aloud. The keynote speaker, Ken Locke, delivered a powerful message of the ultimate sacrifice.
Every branch of the military was recognized: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. Our veterans stood proudly when their branch was recognized and honored with song.
Most important, however, was that every veteran from every branch of service stood united, joined by those they defended, when the national anthem was sung. Veterans, both men and women, young and old, have defended our country in literally every corner of the world for the past two hundred years.
They have performed every level of duty required of them, side by side with soldiers from all branches of service united as one.
The message is timeless. Brave individuals with selfless commitment to our nation have fought as one to protect our country and all it stands for.
On Wednesday, I was invited to attend a memorial service to remember all of the Indiana State policemen who have given their lives in the line of duty. Gathering to honor the dedication, bravery and sacrifice of our law enforcement community was another reminder of the price we must often pay to maintain a law-abiding society that guards our freedom.
A roll call was given of all the brave men and women who gave their lives as they protected our communities. Selfless dedication and bravery, once again, knew no bounds. The list included young, recently appointed patrolmen as well as veterans with years of experience. Lives were lost as the result of armed conflict, pursuit of fleeing criminals, dangerous interdictions and assisting those during unsafe conditions.
Representatives from all branches of law enforcement were present. Local agencies, county sheriff’s departments and state troopers stood side by side with locally elected officials and state representatives honoring the fallen. A reminder that all agencies are collectively committed to the protection of our citizens
As I had earlier felt at Oakwood, it was an honor to represent our community and remember the service of men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we could enjoy our freedom and safety.
Locally, we are not immune to the dangers of crime and lawlessness. Last month I met with a group of northern Indiana mayors to discuss the impact of the opiod epidemic in our communities. People are dying at an alarming rate.
Associated crimes ensue, family and social services are pushed to the limit, and judicial resources are overwhelmed. Our police agencies must work together to battle this latest drug epidemic. They cannot go it alone. We must be on the same page, sharing information, coordinating efforts, and having each other’s back!
We are fortunate to have dedicated, selfless law enforcement resources in our community. When the critical call for help arises, when the lawlessness of criminal behavior is exposed, I have not doubt that those who serve our entire community from every agency are prepared to put themselves in harms way to protect our citizens.
The memorial services of this past week left no doubt that the dedication and common purpose of the branches of the military as well as cooperation among law enforcement communities have been fundamental to our freedom and safety. Where would we be without that unity?
It was the picture perfect day in our beautiful cemetery to recognize their sacrifice. A roll call of those brave men and women from our community who have left us this past year was read aloud. The keynote speaker, Ken Locke, delivered a powerful message of the ultimate sacrifice.
Every branch of the military was recognized: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. Our veterans stood proudly when their branch was recognized and honored with song.
Most important, however, was that every veteran from every branch of service stood united, joined by those they defended, when the national anthem was sung. Veterans, both men and women, young and old, have defended our country in literally every corner of the world for the past two hundred years.
They have performed every level of duty required of them, side by side with soldiers from all branches of service united as one.
The message is timeless. Brave individuals with selfless commitment to our nation have fought as one to protect our country and all it stands for.
On Wednesday, I was invited to attend a memorial service to remember all of the Indiana State policemen who have given their lives in the line of duty. Gathering to honor the dedication, bravery and sacrifice of our law enforcement community was another reminder of the price we must often pay to maintain a law-abiding society that guards our freedom.
A roll call was given of all the brave men and women who gave their lives as they protected our communities. Selfless dedication and bravery, once again, knew no bounds. The list included young, recently appointed patrolmen as well as veterans with years of experience. Lives were lost as the result of armed conflict, pursuit of fleeing criminals, dangerous interdictions and assisting those during unsafe conditions.
Representatives from all branches of law enforcement were present. Local agencies, county sheriff’s departments and state troopers stood side by side with locally elected officials and state representatives honoring the fallen. A reminder that all agencies are collectively committed to the protection of our citizens
As I had earlier felt at Oakwood, it was an honor to represent our community and remember the service of men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we could enjoy our freedom and safety.
Locally, we are not immune to the dangers of crime and lawlessness. Last month I met with a group of northern Indiana mayors to discuss the impact of the opiod epidemic in our communities. People are dying at an alarming rate.
Associated crimes ensue, family and social services are pushed to the limit, and judicial resources are overwhelmed. Our police agencies must work together to battle this latest drug epidemic. They cannot go it alone. We must be on the same page, sharing information, coordinating efforts, and having each other’s back!
We are fortunate to have dedicated, selfless law enforcement resources in our community. When the critical call for help arises, when the lawlessness of criminal behavior is exposed, I have not doubt that those who serve our entire community from every agency are prepared to put themselves in harms way to protect our citizens.
The memorial services of this past week left no doubt that the dedication and common purpose of the branches of the military as well as cooperation among law enforcement communities have been fundamental to our freedom and safety. Where would we be without that unity?
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