IPOM 2016

The past several years I have been able to attend the Idaho Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony that is held every May.  This year Gregory K Moore, from Coeur d’Alene PD, name added to the wall of fallen Officers bringing the total number of names on the wall to 71.  The rain was coming down all night and into the morning but slowed and stopped right around 9am, the ceremony started at 10am.  At the start of the ceremony the speaker stated the angles had stopped crying and were now sending us rays of love.  One of my good friends Laura and her three kids came with me to the ceremony.  As we got there the motor units pulled up with lights flashing as they escorted the Moore family into the ceremony. 

As the family slowly filled out of the cars they played over the loud speakers a heart breaking thing about officers and their families.  My chest felt tight as I saw his young 2 children and tears escaped my eyes.  Once the family had passed I found a seat for my friend since I wanted to take pictures of the ceremony.  I always love the ceremony, and each year I feel my heart break.  This year it may have shattered a little. 

 

One of the hardest and most heart breaking part of the ceremony was when Moore’s young widow with his two young kids and family uncovered his name on the wall. 

 

After that was the roll call of each fallen officer in Idaho.  Each name is read followed by a single ring from the bell as a single red rose is placed on the ground in front of the memorial.  Each name has a story; each name was a person with a family and people who loved them.  They were all Officers trying to do the job the best they could, all of them died doing it.  Some of the names I know by heart.  Linda C Huff with the Idaho State Police- EOW June 17,1998.  She was only 33 and the mother to three children.  Huff was shot 17 times and killed in the parking lot behind the state police headquarters in Coeur d’Alene.  Mark A. Stall with Boise Police Department- EOW Sept 20^th, 2007.  Stall was shot and killed as he and other officers made a high risk traffic stop.  The occupants exited the vehicle and immediately opened fire striking Stall on the right side of his body just about his vest.  He was only 29 and a father of two.  I remember watching his funeral and will never forget the emotions and feelings that day.  Gregory Moore’s name will now be added to that list of names I will never forget.

The closing of the ceremony is with the bag pipe wailing Amazing Grace followed by the three volley gun salute and the playing of Taps.  And yep, it always makes me cry. 

 

If you get a chance to ever go to this ceremony you should.  This is something that I think everyone should witness at least once.  Someday I want to be able to attend the large National Memorial Ceremony in DC.  God bless our Peace Officers and look after them and their families.  For those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, from the bottom of my heart thank you and I will keep you in my heart always.       

          

National Peace Officer Memorial Day

Today is National Peace Officer Memorial Day and the start of Police Week.  It is a day to reflect and remember the 128 Officers and 27 K9 Officers who died in the Line of Duty in 2015, including Sgt Gregory K Moore, from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.  This Thursday his name will be added to the Idaho Peace Officer Memorial in Meridian, ID.  It is a very moving ceremony and open to the public.

Humble and Kind

There is a song on the radio right now that is sung by Tim McGraw that I absolutely love call Humble and Kind.  Every time it is on I turn it up and sign along with it.   I also have it download on my I-Tunes so I can play it whenever I want.  I love the message it tells you and when I hear it, it leaves me want to enjoy the life I have even more.  It also makes me want to be a better person and to be kinder to those around me.    

You know there's a light that glows by the front door
Don't forget the keys under the mat
When childhood stars shine, always stay humble and kind
Go to church cause your momma says too
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won't be wasted time
Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door say please say thank you
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got moutains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
When the dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind

Don't expect a free ride from no one
Don't hold a grudge or a chip and here's why
Bitterness keeps you from flying
Always stay humble and kind
Know the difference with sleeping with someone
And sleeping with someone you love
I love you ain't no pick up line so
Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door say please say thank you
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got moutains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
When the dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind

When it's hot, eat a root beer popsicle
Shut off the ac and roll the windows down
Let that summer sun shine
Always stay humble and kind
Don't take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you're goin'
Don't forget turn back around
And help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind