"All Gave Some, But, Some Gave All."
By: Chief Fred Maas

A Reflection

The above words, part of a popular song that has made its way around memorials and ceremonies of military, police and fire and public safety, echoed over and over at the annual Police Memorial Tribute to fallen officers. The event was held at the permanent Police Memorial site located at Tropical Park in S.W. Dade County. "120" officers were remembered in the annual candlelight vigil attended by families and survivors and law enforcement colleagues.

I took something away from the memorial this year that I had not realized before. In today's society we truly over use and exaggerate the word "Hero". If a player scores the winning touchdown or hits the home run to close out the victory we quickly dub him as the "HERO". They may be the momentary "star" but I am far more comfortable reserving the word HERO for those who "gave their all" and paid the ultimate price with their life. The athlete will live to catch another pass and hit another home run. The true "HERO" will not; nor will he ever see his/her spouse or children again. It is that final!

I read an interesting piece the other day by longtime retired major league pitcher who said: I was a survivor of the war, the "heroes" never made it back. This certainly applies to events in our history dating back to the Holocaust. We refer to the living as survivors, but what about those who paid the ultimate price. HEROES? To their loved one, I'm sure. The same should be felt for those in our local community who are not survivors, but HEROES. They did not make it back!

I would like to thank the members of this police department's Honor Guard and Motorcycle Squad who attended in full force to pay their honor and respect. You were impressive and proud and were great ambassadors for this City and its police department. Thank you for taking the time to remember, you made us all very proud! God Bless America and its True Heroes!

 

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