Never Forgotten

What makes a hero? I ponder that question while sitting in a SALT meeting recently. SALT stands for Seniors and Lawmen Together. SALT is an organization that was established to bring seniors and law enforcement together to address unmet safety needs in Cape Girardeau County. SALT hosts several events throughout the year to actively bring seniors and the law enforcement community together. On May 24 they host the most touching and solemn event of the year the Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony.

The Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony is very special to me. My husband is a Deputy Sheriff and has been for over 12 years, prior to that he was in the military. He doesn’t ever ask or want to be the center of attention, but he is one of my heroes and always will be. There have been countless times over the last 15 years that he has had to miss school functions and family events, sometimes at the last minute. Many times he has been in dangerous situations or heartbreaking ones and never complains or shares the details of what happened, he just does his job. Many heroes just do their job, sometimes they get recognition but most times they do not.

In my way of thinking, a hero is the person who puts themselves in front of you to protect you from danger. The person who runs headlong into danger knowing the risks involved, knowing that they make a choice to confront what most people run from. Knowing that by just doing their job, they may not get to go home to their family.

The SALT Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will recognize 49 fallen heroes who died in the line of duty. 49 heroes who were not able to go home to their families. 49 heroes who made a choice to run toward danger. 49 heroes who do not deserve to be forgotten. On May 24 at 6:00 at Cape Bible Chapel, 2911 Kage Rd, Cape Girardeau, Mo we get a chance to remember with respect, gratitude and honor these 49 men who made a difference in their communities and paid the ultimate price. We also get the chance to honor their families and make sure they know that we appreciate the sacrifices made. SALT honors those from the counties of Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Dunklin, Iron, Madison, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Ripley, Scott, Stoddard and Wayne.

The Law Officer Memorial Ceremony is open to all and I encourage you to attend. The evening includes essay winners from local schools who write about “Police-Our Heroes”; scheduled key note speaker is Gov. Eric Greitens and the “Final Call” a recitation of the 49 heroes we are honoring. This ceremony makes me cry every year and I am so grateful to be able to bring my children to such a meaningful event.

SALT also sponsored the Law Officer Memorial located at Cape County Park North. This memorial has all 49 names engraved and stands as a lasting tribute to their sacrifice. I encourage you to stop by and visit and take a moment to say thank you to these 49 heroes so they are never forgotten.

If you are unable to make the event May 13-19 is Police Week. Please take the time to thank these men and woman who give so much of their time to keep us all safe.