Today at work we had a Fallen Officer Ceremony https://www.odmp.org/agency/3822-texas-department-of-criminal-justice-texas. This is a simple ceremony recognizing officers who have died in the line of duty since the last year. This year, two were highlighted: they died in a bus accident transporting offenders from Abilene to El Paso http://www.oaoa.com/news/traffic_transportation/article_ecb9a086-9c05-11e4-8b48-5bab3838995d.html.
Usually, this ceremony starts with Amazing Grace played on bagpipes. One year, we had real bag pipes. Often, the rider-less horse with the boots pointing backwards is present. This year, the ceremony was inside due to the weather, so no horse. One year, the ceremony was moved inside at the last minute, so the rider-less horse was out in the rain seen through the windows. There are prayers, a short speech, and the reading of fallen officers names. This varies. Sometimes it is historical. Sometimes it is the list that have died in the line of duty for the agency, the state and/or the nation.
The agency also sets a fallen officer table http://www.ehow.com/how_8721497_prepare-fallen-soldier-table.html in the foyer.
Tradition and ceremony is important to the place I work. It might be corny, but I respect, admire, and appreciate tradition and ceremony, when it is purposeful and meaningful. This is purposeful and meaningful. It shows respect for our downed colleagues. It reminds us that correctional work is dangerous, and we need to be careful. It honors those who have gone before us.
Thank you for that.
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