Shedding Light Unprecedented Vigil fills law enforcement with‘ Grace’
Before the candles began to burn, before the names were heard, before the needed words stirred, 20,000 people gathered on the National Mall to help each other through the many dangers, toils and snares. By the time the Dallas Police Choir sang,“ I have already come. tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead us home” in its riveting rendition of“ Amazing Grace,” the 29th Police Week Candlelight Vigil took on a monumental presence.
The choir came from Texas on its own volition to perform an extraordinary tribute to the five brothers assassinated back on that Blue Monday in July 2016, not to mention the 389 other officers being honored on this night. The amazing grace of the survivor families and law enforcement officers there to support them set the scene for an unprecedented and fulfilling Vigil.
Former Attorney General John Ashcroft, who has stepped up to be the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Chair, preached the message that all 20,000 came to hear. And needed to.
“ Survivors, you see those members of your extended family standing shoulder to shoulder in appreciation,” Ashcroft announced.“ I want to ask the survivors to stand and allow us to say thank you for your sacrifice to keep America free and safe. Not just remembrance, but thanks.”
“ Thanks” added so much to honor and remembrance this year. Law enforcement needed to hear that. The families of the 72 officers from New York whose names were called because they lost their lives due to their response to 9 / 11 deserved to hear that. The Dallas Police Choir sang it with grace.
Ashcroft uttered another compelling reference, thanking all law enforcers for safeguarding the rule of law. Perhaps that is what motivated those in their dress uniforms to stand a little taller at attention during the roll call of names of officers who died in the line of duty the past year and were added to the memorial wall.
NJ State PBA President Pat Colligan read one of those names. NJ State Troopers Fraternal Association President Chris Burgos read three others. And Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly put grace to how law enforcement faces the toils and the snares every day.
“ We get this night,” Kelly commanded,“ to respect, honor and celebrate how fortunate we are you stand between us and danger.” d
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www. njcopsmagazine. com ■ JUNE 2017 53