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Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial Dedication and 18th Annual Memorial Service
On Friday May 21, 2004 the long awaited Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial was dedicated in Ashburton Park on the grounds of the Massachusetts State House. The day began with a private viewing of the beautiful granite memorial for all surviving family members and co-workers to see. The memorial which was designed by architect Michael Kenny is a low oval made out of dark granite with the 282 names of federal, state, local, sheriff's and corrections officers who have died in the line of duty while serving or living in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (and meet the criteria). Within the oval is a granite badge with a black band reminding all of the ultimate sacrifice these officers made while protecting the public. The memorial is surrounded by a granite bench for visitors who wish to stay and enjoy the memorial. A large granite marker in the rear of the site signifies the memorial and dedication date. A blue light representing law enforcement and the thin blue line is located in the front center of the memorial and is lit at sun down each evening. Words can not describe the simple beauty that the memorial represents. A personal visit to the site is a must for all survivors and law enforcement officers throughout the state. The gates to Ashburton Park are open from 8am-6pm daily and is open to the public.
The dedication in Ashburton Park was attended by Governor Mitt Romney, Attorney General Thomas Reilly and Secretary of Public Safety Ed Flynn. The memorial was blessed by Rev. Michael Randone representing the MA Corp. of Chaplains. After remarks by Governor Romney the dedication ribbon was cut by Mrs. Cynthia Hurley, Officer Cecil Jones, Governor Romney and the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial Board of Directors.
After the ceremonial ribbon cutting the park full of law enforcement survivors proceeded to the Boston Commons for the 18th Annual Memorial Service. They were led by the Massachusetts State Police Pipes and Drums, a multi jurisdictional honor guard, the State police Honor Guard, Boston Police Honor Guard, members from the MA Corp. of Chaplains and the MLEMF board of directors. The procession was met on Boston Common by over 60 honor guard units from throughout the Commonwealth, many law enforcement officers and heads of agencies along with over 50 police officer bicyclist and supporters who had just returned that morning from the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C.
The master of ceremonies for the memorial service was former State representative and MLEMF Board of Director Paul Caron. The invocation was given by Rev. David Mahn of the MA Corp of Chaplains. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by McCarthy, children of Medfield Police Sgt. Daniel McCarthy. The National Anthem was performed by Sgt. Dan Clark of the Massachusetts State Police. Guest speakers for the event were Officer Cecil Jones President MLEMF, Mrs. Cynthia Hurley MA COPS, Boston Police Commissioner Kathleen O'Toole, Secretary of Public Safety Ed Flynn and key note speaker Attorney General Thomas Reilly. A musical selection by Josh Groban " " was played in honor of all officers who had died in the line of duty. This was followed by the reading of the role call of the 282 law enforcement officers honor by the memorial. Sgt. Dan Clark then performed Amazing Grace and taps were played by Sgt. Michael Fish of the Boston Police Department and Trp. Lisa Mulla of the Massachusetts State Police. Closing benediction was given by Rev. Paul Clifford of the MA Corp of Chaplains. Closing the program was the Boston Police Gaelic Column Pipes and Drums who played "Going Home" for all and then lead the Boston Police Honor Guard, State Police Honor Guard, Multi Jurisdictional Honor Guard and wreath along with the bike riders from Washington D.C. back to the memorial in Ashburton Park. A reception was held on the second floor of the State House and honor guard officers stood vigil at the memorial and by the wreath until sundown when Sgt. Peter MacDonnell of the Winchester Police Department played Amazing Grace on the bag pipes.
The Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation wishes to thank all who have helped and assisted over these past seven years to make this memorial a reality. There are too many people, businesses and public servants to thank in this article. We encourage all to visit the Foundation's web site at www.mlemf.org.
