Vigil honors fallen law enforcement

  • Published
  • By Samuel King Jr.
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  As each name was called and story told, a white candle was lit in front of the person's portrait.  By the end, nine flames burned brightening the faces of fallen police, security forces and special agents at the candle light vigil ceremony here May 19.

The event, part of the base's National Police Week activities, paid tribute to last year's fallen military and civilian police.  Among them were Okaloosa County Sheriff's Deputy Bill Myers and Maj. Adrianna Vorderbruggen, a special agent stationed here.

Vorderbruggen's commander, Lt. Col. Pamela Alley, Air Force Office of Special Investigation 9th Field Investigations Squadron, served as the guest speaker for the 96th Security Forces Squadron-hosted event.  She quoted "Henry V" in connection to the bonds and ties felt within the law enforcement community. 

"From this day to the ending of the world, but we in it shall be remembered, we few, we happy few, we band of brothers," she quoted.  "For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother."

She also spoke about coping with and moving forward in the wake of tragedy.

"How do we go on after losing such great Americans," she asked.  "We honor them with our service and our lives.  We live in a way that would make them proud.  We push ourselves and our peers the way our fallen brothers and sisters would challenge us."

"We continue to protect and serve where they left off.  We honor them by remembering their service and sacrifice just as we have this week."

After the names and stories were read and the candles lit, attendees rose to observe a moment of silence as "Amazing Grace" was played on bagpipes.

As the reflection of flames flickered across the framed faces of those honored, individuals in attendance stood in silent reflection as Taps played to conclude the ceremony.