So, this weekend, First Responder Appreciation Day has come and gone. Much like some of the greatest men and women I have ever known. The celebrations and gatherings have since passed by this morning and we all have returned to whence we came. Many of the funerals I have attended and or participated in throughout my career were people I knew. Good, solid men and women of heart and character. Many a framed picture on the walls of Stations (Fire/Law Enforcement) and IPC of the Harris Co. Sheriffs Office hold the photographs within of people who I knew, worked, fought, bled, cussed and cried beside. Quite a few First Responders I know gathered at different functions all over South East Texas. This is cool. It is good that we gather together and break bread together. The hot food, cold drinks and warm conversation ease the heart, mind and soul. For a short time, the terrors past and worries of the future are put to rest and we come together in Peace. However, I would like to call attention to those Brothers and Sisters who have laid down their lives so that we might carry on. There were times, where the pain, the grief, the tears I had shed, they nearly overcame all the sense I had. I have lost many a good friend who wore a badge. Even my Fire Fighting Brethren. Together, I have walked into a fire and under fire with them. For whatever the reason, they were called Home ahead of me. And here I remain. I do not mean to put a damper upon the celebratory aspect of this First Responders Day. I only ask we do not ever forget those weve lost. To those who are no longer answering their radio, their MDT or the tones/lights as they kick on in the Station. When their number was called upon the radio and there was forever more, no answer. The sirens are silent. The lights, they flash no more. The air horns are empty and their echo reverberates no more. The great deeds. The bravery they showed. The tempered Justice and Sacrifice they displayed are their legacy. They shall never be forgotten. They shall never truly leave our hearts. Here, they shall dwell and live forever. To those of us left behind I would simply say, stand stall. Stand proud. Wear your uniform and badge with Honor, Courage and Commitment. Look sharp. Think sharp. Act sharp. Be sharp. For we are the tip of the spear. This is our Duty and ultimately, shall be our legacy. In closing, for the First Responders who, every night face the demons of nightmares from the terror we have seen, for those who look in the mirror and see the scars remaining from the blood spilled at battles before, for those of us left behind who hear the echo of the 21 guns, bugles and bagpipes and the tears which slid down from our weary eyes......I say this; It has always been and shall always be my deepest, my sincerest privilege to serve here, upon the Line with you. For you who have stood and continue to stand with me are forever more my Brothers and Sisters. Dedicated to First Responders everywhere, their Families and most of all to those who weve lost.....Gods speed to you all. Rex
Posted on: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 12:49:02 +0000
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