weather was nearly perfect as approximately 300 active and retired members of REMA, along with their families and friends, kept their promise to “Never Forget”. We gathered inside the NYPD Aviation hangar at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn New York, to honor the memories of the 98 members of Special Operations who lost their lives in the line of duty while serving as New York City Police Officers. This year the weather cooperated, allowing for the static displays and live demonstrations by Harbor, Aviation, Emergency Service, Mounted and K9 units. The precision teamwork showed how our ‘land, sea and air’ units come together in times of need to serve the people who live, work and visit our city. Most never know that they are safe because of the Men and Women who now, and in the past, patrol and standby for any emergency. 

Traditionally, the ceremony opened with Police Officer Brianna Fernandez beautifully singing our National Anthem, followed by Assistant Chief Chaplain Monsignor Romano giving the Invocation. Retired ESU Lt. Al Baker followed the introduction of the distinguished dais with the reading of the Memorial Roll Call. Closing out the ceremony was the presentation of the second annual Assistant Chief Walter E. Klotzback REMA Scholarship Award, sponsored by Turken, Heath & McCauley, and presented to six well deserved entrants. We wish them much success in their school careers.

The ceremony concluded with Officer Fernandez singing God Bless America and  The Pipes and Drums of the Emerald Society of the NYPD playing and marching off into the sunset.

And we could not get through the day without our ‘civilian’ volunteers. Carol McCormack on the sign-in table and Kristine Bordonaro and her girls at the haberdashery booth.  Additional thanks go out to the NYPD Rock Wall personnel who challenged our youth, (and not so youthful) attendees with their rock climbing skills. The Blue Knights Motorcycle Club chapters from NY and NJ, and the NYPD Classic Car Club. Before and after the ceremony we were entertained by the OUTSTANDING performance by the NYPD Band which once again did a terrific job. They continue to improve every year! 

REMA would like to thank Chief of SOD Wilson Aramboles for his support and for allowing the use of the facilities. We also thank Deputy Chief Gerard Dowling, Executive Officer Special Operations; Deputy Inspector Ronald Zedalis, Special Operations, and the Commanding Officers of the sub units: Assistant Chief Carlos Valdez, ESU; Inspector Winston Faison, Aviation; Inspector Anthony Russo, Harbor; DC John D’Adamo, Strategic Response Group and Inspector Barry Gelbman, Mounted.

None of this could not have been accomplished without the behind the scenes work of Sergeant Jesse Wilkes of SOD and his staff, and the masterful carpentry work of Sergeant Juan Swystun and Detectives Chuck King and Matt Hartnett. They beautifully designed and created the wooden platform that displays the Special Operations Memorial Plaque designed by REMA. After two years it is finally on public display in the lobby of the SOD headquarters building. The expense of the nameplates and building materials for the showcase was covered by REMA. Sadly, as 9/11 illness continues to take our Heroes from us, we added four more to the Memorial Plaque.

Of course we must mention the NYPD Ceremonial Unit. They are without a doubt one of the best at putting events together and choreographing the show. Without them our day would be second class.

Finally, without the families, friends and co-workers of our Fallen Brethren, there would be no Day of Remembrance.

Thank you to everyone for keeping the promise to:

Never Forget.