I had this idea about a month ago, but it wasn't an easy one to just write out in a flash. And, there were still about 30 days left in the year. So I waited, and ended up having to adjust my number. After reading this, I would urge you to go to the Officer Down Memorial Page and look at some of the names and read an entry or two. And, if you're so inclined make a donation to this worthy cause.
163
Each year the new names are etched
Into the cold stone
A solid, stoic reminder
Of heroism and danger
163 new names will be added
For 2011. Fathers and mothers
Brothers and sisters
Family and friends
From almost every state
In every size department
Big city; small town
Urban or rural
These were the guardians
The protectors of society
Hailed as saviors
Vilified as monsters
They were in a strange business
Policing their fellow man
Keeping watch over the flock
Keeping the wolves at bay
163 warriors of justice
Their lives cut short
Their careers abruptly ended
Their memory kept alive
We couldn’t know them all
But we knew them all
They were called
Like we were called
Rest in peace champions
Your work will be continued
Your loss will not be in vain
We will carry on for you
