VOLUME 8 30 April 2008 NUMBER 5
ST. JUDE MEMORIAL MARCH
Every year on the first Sunday of May, the Chicago Police Department recognizes one of the oldest and proudest traditions, honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The St. Jude Memorial March is an integral part of this Department’s history and reminds every police officer that the legacies of those who have served are remembered. This year, the 76th Anniversary of the St. Jude Police League will honor the fallen police officers and members of the law enforcement community will gather and march at the Gold Star Families Memorial and Park.
As Superintendent, I am honored to share in this tradition and encourage all participants and their families to take a moment to reflect upon and remember the 526 heroes whose names are inscribed on the Memorial’s sacred walls. It symbolizes the highest honor bestowed upon a police officer and reminds everyone that these police officers have not fallen in vain.
I invite all of you to join us on Sunday, May 4th at 0800 hours at Solidarity and Museum Campus Drives, where Department members will assemble (Solidarity Drive) in preparation for the March. Extended family members and friends are welcome to view the March from the west side of Museum Campus Drive, across from the Park (see attached map).
The March will proceed south on Museum Campus Drive to Waldron Drive and step off promptly at 0800 hours. Department members are advised to arrive by 0730 hours. Immediately at the conclusion of the March, there will be a brief 15 minute interfaith service presented by the Chicago Police Department Chaplain’s Unit. Department members and guests are invited to attend this service which will be held in the gathering space in front of the Memorial Water Wall.
Complimentary parking will be available in Burnham Harbor’s South Parking Lot. Southbound travelers exit Lake Shore Drive at 18th Street to the Waldron Deck Parking Facility or the flat lot between Soldier Field and McCormick Place. Northbound travelers exit Lake Shore Drive at McFetridge Drive and proceed to the North Garage.
I encourage everyone to remember and support other police events during National Police Month. The Run to Remember 2008 supports the Mission Beyond the Memorial and kicks off at 0800 hours on Saturday, May 3rd at the Gold Star Families Memorial and Park. Illinois salutes its fallen officers on May 1st in Springfield, and the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial in Washington, D.C. will hold a candlelight vigil on May 15th at the police memorial.
Let’s honor these brave men and women and never forget their courage. I look forward to joining you and your families on Sunday morning remembering all of those who have served and sacrificed in making our city safer.
Jody P. Weis
Superintendent of Police
