Serving Those who Protect and Serve
Now, Therefore, I, John F. Kennedy, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate…the week of May 12 through May 18, 1963, and the calendar week during which May 15 occurs of each succeeding year, as Police Week, in recognition of the service given by the men and women who, night and day, protect us through enforcement of our laws.”
—John F. Kennedy, Proclamation 3537
National Police Week is marked by events in Washington D.C. each year; these festivities draw tens of thousands of attendees. However, these are the events in one city, and the United States is home to over 35,000 cities and towns. The events draw tens of thousands of attendees, but our Nation is home to around 325 million. In a time of such tension, it is that much more important that we thank those who serve us every day and remember those who have given their lives for our protection.
We at Autumn Consulting had the distinct pleasure of honoring the Police Department of Gilberts, Illinois this week. Given all that they have done to serve our city, it was the least we could do to give something back to them, even though something as simple as treating them to breakfast can never come close to the kind of sacrifices they make for us every day and night. We can never pay them back, but we want to thank our officers for all they do, not just this week, but every week.
The Gilberts Police Department not only serves our community by protecting but they also recently had an opportunity to raise funds for Special Olympics. As a result, the Autumn team was privileged to meet a local Olympian who has won 54 medals; she showed us two golds and a bronze! We had the honor of treating her to breakfast as well.
To our officers, we thank you. To our readers, we challenge you. What have you done and what can you do to give back to the members of the community who are protecting you on a daily basis? How can your community rally together to be a people who give and not just take, who serve and not just be served? This week was Police Week, and we take the opportunity to honor and thank our police officers. But every week can be a week where you find ways to give back to your community.