Dallas Strong

The candlelight vigil held in Downtown Dallas to support the fallen officers on July 11th, 2016.

During the days following the horrific events that took the lives of five police officers in Dallas, I had the privilege to take my two young children to this amazing city and witness how communities come together. While this tragedy shattered the lives of so many, what I witnessed was a community pulling together and growing stronger in the wake of this event.

Unfortunately, in today’s society we face too many of these events and tragedies. I would love to be able to shield my children from ever having knowledge of these heinous crimes, but in reality, it is too common. For my 1-year-old daughter this trip will be remembered through pictures, but for my 9-year-old son, Chase, this was an opportunity to show respect for fallen officers and see how hate can cause so much destruction.

He was able to take part in the candlelight vigil and listen to the five fallen officers' partners recall stories about their time on the force, how they had helped so many, and even their last moments.

After our return from Dallas, I asked him why he thought it was important that we went to Dallas. Chase replied, “To respect our police officers because they protect us and sacrifice themselves for us.” A 9 year old can understand this, so why can’t so many others?