The weather forecast was for clouds and rain, but that didn’t keep too many away from our annual Day of Remembrance. Attendance was estimated in the mid 200’s. Many first timers attended. Although the displays by the sub-units were cancelled, except for Mounted which gave out some rides when possible, guests arrived early for breakfast and mingled with friends and co-workers not seen in a year. K9 Crusader, named after Patrolman Stephen Gilroy, ESU, and his partner Chris were on hand allowing for closeup view of a NYPD K9 team. 

Keeping our 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 99 members of Special Operations who lost their lives in the line of duty while serving as New York City Police Officers. 

Special guest JD Leonard, Nashville recording artist and transplanted Suffolk County resident, performed his tribute song to First Responders, “Freedom Ain’t Free” while a slideshow of ESU in action played behind him. Pass the tissues. Thank you JD!!!

Traditionally, the ceremony opened with Police Officer Brianna Fernandez beautifully singing our National Anthem, followed by Assistant Chief Chaplain Monsignor Romano giving the Invocation. Special Ops Chief Wilson Aramboles and ESU Assistant Chief Carlos Valdez gave opening remarks to start the Memorial program. Retired ESU Lt. Al Baker followed the introduction of the distinguished dais with the reading of the Memorial Roll Call. JD performed his song followed by the presentation of the third 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.

Additional thanks go out to the NYPD Band, the behind the scenes work of Sergeant Jesse Wilkes of SOD and his staff. 

There was one lesson learned that Saturday. Don’t mess with the catering. Tony ‘Cooch’ falls on the sword for cancelling the chicken heroes. As he was permanently removed from the REMA food staff he shouted to the self appointed head food guy, Kenny Richardson: “I thought no one liked the chicken”. The chicken will be back.

Speaking of back, we hope the faces we did not see will be back and didn’t show up because of the rain. Disappointing to say the least of the no shows.

Enjoy the pictures and video. If you have and media to share please send them in.

Name plates added this year.

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.