Saturday, 15 May 2010
Washington, DC
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Law Enforcement:
This past week, I have had the distinct honor and privilege to represent not only the Council for Law Enforcement Reserves and the Volunteer Law Enforcement Officers Alliance, but all members of the Reserve Law Enforcement family here in DC at Police Week. It is a privilege and honor that I don’t even begin to grasp the words to describe. For those who have been to Police Week, you know the brotherhood and family that you find here. For those who have not had a chance to attend, I strongly encourage you to attend at least once. It is an experience that you will never forget.
For those who are unaware of what Police Week is, let me explain. On October 1, 1962, the 87th Congress of the United States passed House Joint Resolution 730 (Public Law 87-726) which proclaimed May 15th of each year as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the calendar week of each year during which May 15th occurs as Police Week.
It is during this week that we pay tribute to those officers who have given the last full measure of devotion to this country. It is a sacred duty for all of us to never forget them. As President Abraham Lincoln famously wrote in the Bixby Letter, I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. However, we do the best that we can and honor them every year and daily.
There are so many things that I want to tell you. However, I too feel how weak and fruitless any words of mine may be to describe the feelings of Police Week. I encourage each and every one of you to not only attend Police Week, but to help us ensure that they are never forgotten. We have pledged to raise $10,000 for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund by October 14, 2010. Please help us honor them, by going to www.firstgiving.com/ReserveCops and donating to the Fund. All donations are tax deductable. It is A Matter of Honor.
I will leave you with a poem, “Never Let Them Walk Alone” and the words found carved in the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
Carved on these walls is the story of America, of a continuing quest to preserve both democracy and decency, and to protect a national treasure that we call the American dream.
--President George H.W. Bush
It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived.
--Vivian Eney Cross, Survivor
The wicked Flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
--Proverbs 28:1
In valor there is hope.
--Tacitus
Never Let Them Walk Alone
Their uniform is often blue
But they come in brown and
Green and suntans too
NEVER LET THEM WALK ALONE
The Badge may be a shield
It may also be a star, silver or gold
But seem from afar
NEVER LET THEM WALK ALONE
A thankless job they willingly do
To provide protection for me and you
And they do it
NEVER LET THEM WALK ALONE
Hated by many, but loved by few
Only they know best the job they must do
And they do it
NEVER LET THEM WALK ALONE
An arbitrator, negotiator and
Enforcer of the law
Doctor, lawyer, keeper of the peace
NEVER LET THEM WALK ALONE
When they’re off to work each day
And you at home do silently pray,
“Lord, be with them as they go their way”
NEVER LET THEM WALK ALONE
And when their time has to pass
And when the Father calls them home,
There’s a bigger job that must be done.
NEVER LET THEM WALK ALONE
To all my brothers and sisters out there, I pray that you will return home safely after every shift.
Humbly,
Kevin F. Jura
Kevin F. Jura, MPO, CHS-III, Chairman
Committee for Professional Standards
Council for Law Enforcement Reserves
