(no subject)

[openscarf]

Yesterday was the memorial service for the 4 OPD officers who were killed last weekend.  It was held at the Colesium.  Those were stuck in traffice said it was heartbreaking just seeing all the official cars lined up on the freeway, driving in.

At work, they had it on in the breakroom, which was appreciated.  I think most of us who watched streamed it at our desks.  I had an intense issue to work on that required me to be glued to my desk and fire off round after round of emails after researching each new tiny detail that came up.  I watched the whole thing.  It was full of pageantry, which so honored them.  There were so many details to observe that on a separate level were fascinating.  The canine officers attend, which was beautiful.  Their motorcyles, for the 2 motorcycle officers were there. Brilliantly shining.  Polished empty boots.  The sheer number of uniformed officers, from all over the country, who came to pay respect to the four who died andsupport their fellow brothers and sister officers was overwhelming and one of the most amazing things I've ever seen.

A letter was read from Barack and Michelle Obama; Gov. Arnold, Jerry Brown, Diane Fienstien, Barbara Boxer and Barbara Lee attended and most spoke.  Oakland's mayor was there but didn't speak on request from at least one of the families.  I applaud that request and was grateful he didn't speak.  He doesn't say the right things.  On top of his mayoral service record, it was a blessing he didn't speak.

Of course the eulogies and remembrances were poignant, heartbreaking, funny, tear inducing...

Oakland needed to take part and attend this service.  We needed the ceremony and dignity of it all.  I'm so sad for the families, all the children, the wives, the friends, parents, brothers and sisters.  I guess we all are.

It was a beautiful memorial.
 

Comments

[dadadadio.livejournal.com]

The morning after the shooting I read about it online, where I get my daily news. One officer was still alive at the time.

Later that day we attended an Athletics game in PHX. They observed a moment of silence. It was by far longest I've ever stood in.

These are hard times for a city. The grief will soon turn to questions, if it hasn't already. The memories and inquiries will dig in these wounds for years.

That's just the way it is.

[openscarf.livejournal.com]

It's cool you had the opportunity to be in tune with Oakland that day; one of the officers worked all that A's and Raiders games...
Oakland needs a lot of help, it's just a fringe that feels this was justifed and that it's a war, but they are strong, they have nothing to lose. A lot of people are speaking out...we'll see what those in power do...