UTSA, area law enforcement agencies, community honor fallen police officers
(May 25, 2011)--Representatives of UTSA, area law enforcement agencies and the San Antonio community gathered May 20 to honor law enforcement officers who died last year in the line of duty. As part of National Peace Officers Memorial Day, the observance was hosted by the UTSA Police Department at Bill Miller Plaza on the UTSA Downtown Campus.
The ceremony included a reading of the day's proclamation by Kerry Kennedy, UTSA vice president for business affairs, a moving address by Michael Heidingsfield, director of police for the University of Texas System, a wreath laying and the playing of "Taps."
As each name was recited of officers from across Texas who died in the line of duty, a single long-stem white rose was placed in a vase, signifying each officer's last roll call.
National Peace Officers Memorial Day has a long history. It began in 1962 by presidential proclamation signed by President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy also designated the week National Police Week. Since that time, police departments across the nation have observed the week in different ways including open houses, SWAT demonstrations and memorial services.
Every 53 hours, a law enforcement officer gives up his or her life in the line of duty. In 2010, Texas lost 19 law enforcement officers. Since 1963, 31 university police officers nationwide have died in the line of duty.
Events
This event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.
North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main CampusAt this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.