DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) — The City of Dallas honored its law enforcement Wednesday afternoon with a memorial service and march.
In honor of National Police Memorial Day, hundreds of Dallas Police officers marched alongside city officials about a quarter-mile to Dallas City Hall, where a 45-minute memorial service too place to honor the sacrifices police make.
“Our heroes make the ultimate sacrifice,” Dallas Police Chief Rene Hall said during the service. “They are the gallant champions of public safety.”
Hundreds of people attended the service, from loved ones of fallen officers to Dallas residents paying their respects during their lunch breaks.
“I really think it’s great that we’re taking time out to appreciate our police officers, because they’re our first responders,” said attendee Steve McWilliam. “If not for them, our streets wouldn’t be safe.”
Spoke to one man who walked over to the #PoliceMemorialDay memorial service on his lunch break. Said he didn’t know about it, but wouldn’t miss it for the world. “They should be appreciated like this every day.” Service begins at noon by Dallas City Hall. @WBAP247NEWS @570KLIF pic.twitter.com/zaO9MhwY9e
— Scott Sidway (@ScottyWK) May 16, 2018
The ceremony included speeches by Hall and Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, a 21-gun salute, flyover by a Dallas Police helicopter, performances by the Dallas Police choir, and taps. Many lay yellow roses near memorials on display for the officers who have fallen in Dallas over the years.
The pre-ceremony march started at Young and Griffin, near the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, and ended outside Dallas City Hall. Chief Hall, Rawlings, and the Dallas City Council accompanied the many officers who marched.
The March to Dallas City Hall for #PoliceMemorialDay 2018 has begun. @WBAP247NEWS @570KLIF pic.twitter.com/0GJOosDPsl
— Scott Sidway (@ScottyWK) May 16, 2018
