Keeping the promise: we remember

In the weeks after the 9/11 attacks, The Port of Seattle Police Department sold hats to raise money for the Port Authority Police Department Benevolent Fund in New York/New Jersey. That department lost 37 officers in the attacks.  Each hat had the name of one officer who died Sept. 11. At the time, my husband was part of the POSPD canine unit; he bought a hat with the name Sirius on it. Sirius was the PAPD police dog killed at the World Trade Center. My husband also bought a hat for me.

Here is what I wrote about my hat.

I have a hat

In memory of a police officer

I never knew.

His body finished, fallen;

While his spirit ascended home.

I have a hat

In honor of a man

Others loved each day.

I run my fingers

Over the stitching

Spelling his name.

I weep.

I wear the hat

Like a guardian angel

Object of protection.

Memories belong to others;

Prayers to me.

I wear Paul’s hat

To honor those

Still here.

Cops.

They continue…

Waking early;

Kissing sleepy spouses,

Hugging drowsy children.

People,

Of quiet commitment

And uncommon courage,

They slip into place.

… The beat goes on.

This week, we remember those who died…and their loved ones who remain.