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Health & Fitness

Being a Police Officer on 9/11

A day at the park to remember and honor the past as well as promise for the future.

As a police officer and member of the Public Safety community, the is a painful reminder, even after 10 years, of the sacrifice that my fellow brothers made to save those they serve. This day is not only about Public Safety personnel but all American workers as they made up the bulk of the victims.

The images of that day still bring a tear to my eye, I wonder if there will ever be a time when they do not. I wear my sunglasses on this day to hide those tears and maintain the appearance of strength that so many people rely upon. As I listen to the speeches I secretly wish I was somewhere else, somewhere that did not bring back these painful memories, some place where I did not feel weak and powerless over the evil in this world. 

Two of my three sons will never understand the pain of that day. I bring them to the ceremony to teach them that we honor those who have made a sacrifice for others. I hope they gain this understanding without having to suffer as so many do on this date every year. 

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As the solemn voices of those giving speeches resonate through the , I glance down at these two innocents, one fussing over his toy train and the other chewing on his teething ring. I focus on keeping these two quiet so others can hear the speech, so others can reflect on this day and what it means to them. 

With my tears comes a smile, knowing that these two little guys are not yet aware of the world we now live in because of this tragedy. I know that one day I'll have to explain the tears I hide and why this day is so important, but not today, for them, today is about toy trains and teething rings.  

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