Remember our local law officers

To the editor:

I recently had the honor of accompanying my niece, Ashley Grither, and Ste. Genevieve police chief Dale Neuman to the Southeast Missouri Fallen Officer Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony in Cape Girardeau hosted by Seniors and Lawmen Together. My niece won first place in the coloring contest.

Being struck by the emotions during the ceremony that unexpectedly tugged at my heart, I was deeply touched by my thoughts as each fallen officers name was read along with a date and "10-42" (off duty), followed by the placing of a white rose in their memory. Watching all who were present, one could easily see I was not along in my feelings. To be in that room during the memorial service, one could only think of the honor, difficulty of the officers' duties and their as well as their families' personal sacrifices.

My prayer is that we honor Law Enforcement Memorial Week.

Take time to think of all that our local officers have given and risked for us. There are good and bad in every part of life. Today would be a good day to think on the good.

KATHY KREITLER, Ste. Genevieve, Mo.