Today is National Police Memorial Day, part of Police
Memorial Week, celebrated this time every May. Today the
names of all American police officers who were killed in the
line of duty during the previous year will be added to the
walls of the National Law Enforcement Memorial at Judiciary
Square in Washington, DC.
Last year, when this day came around, I wrote here,
"Cops who do it for real don't have writers guiding their
destinies who make sure they survive to the end of the story.
The real-life stories of, on the average, 200 cops, end
prematurely and unexpectedly every year." That's still
true.
With your permission, Ithis year 'm including a poem in the
message. The first time I ever heard it was at a Requiem Mass
for a murdered policeman that I attended as my Department's
representative. I don't know who wrote it, but it's
reproduced at several spots throughout the 'Net. It may not
be the most elegant piece of verse ever composed, but it's
heartfelt, and, I think, appropriate today.
THE FINAL INSPECTION
The policeman stood and faced his God, which must always come
to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining, just as brightly as
his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you? Have
you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been
true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No Lord. I
guess I ain't. Because those who carry badges, can't always
be a saint.
"I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was
rough... and sometimes I've been violent because the streets
are awful tough.
"But I never took a penny, that wasn't mine to keep... though
I worked a lot of overtime when the bills just got too
steep.
"And I never passed a cry for help, though at times I shook
with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I wept unmanly
tears."
"I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They
never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
"If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much, But, if you don't...I'll
understand."
There was silence all around the throne, where saints had
often trod, as the policeman waited quietly for the judgement
of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on heaven's streets. You've done your time
in hell."
Thank you.
JIM DOHERTY
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