Comrades and friends, strangers and citizens, spouses and children, this is a special place. There is no more important responsibility that government has than protecting the public safety. And we have to everything in our power to build strong communities, to build strong neighborhoods. But we cannot do that unless if we don’t have individuals like those that we remember and that we honor by being here today.
Anthony Byrd. William Beebe. Troy Chesley. Robert Krauss. David McGuinn. Allan Roberts. Edward Wilburn. Racheal Wilson.
They are really the defenders. They are the dedicated defenders of the common good. Their work reminds all of us of our shared humanity, of the idea that what unites us as human beings is far more powerful than anything that can divide us. When they answered the call, they did not ask is the person in need white or black. Is the person Jewish, Christian or Muslim. Is the person who needs me rich or is the person poor. They simply asked “who needs me?” And they answered that call.
So think of them not only when you hear about a major case, not only when you see on television a very dramatic or sensational rescue. Think about them when you don’t see them. Think about them when your kids play in the park in peace. Think about them when your grandmother or grandfather is able to walk the streets at night on a stroll at sunset in perfect safety. Think of them when your street’s quiet and when you’re falling asleep at night.
To the many families who are here today, who received the call in the night they prayed would never come, I thank you for the tremendous sacrifice you have made for the people of our state. And I also thank you for having the courage to come here today when it is still so fresh and when it still hurts so much. All of us love you very much, and we can never ever make that hurt go away, but I hope if only for a brief instant today, on this glorious day, that your burden might be lightened just a touch by the love the people here have for you.
God Bless.