Monday, April 22, 2013

Honoring a Hero

On Saturday night in Wilmington more than a thousand people gathered to attend a candlelight vigil to honor MIT Officer and Wilmington High School graduate Sean Collier.  The emotional crowd lined Church Street holding candles and American Flags as his body was escorted to his home town by a procession that included official police vehicles from departments and agencies throughout the region, and an American Flag display by the fire departments of Wilmington and North Reading.

He died in service to us all, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to address the crowd during Saturday’s vigil.  Members of Officer Collier’s family were present and offered inspirational remarks about his life of service to the community. The well-attended ceremony was very moving, and was an important part of the healing process that must follow the tragic events of last week.  The vigil provided us an important opportunity to express our support for all of those that must deal with the loss of this courageous young man. 

This past week has been difficult on us all. I’m thankful that people like Officer Collier have given us a legacy of strength in the face of terror, and I’m also thankful for all of those who carry on that legacy of working to keep us safe. 

Posted below are a few photos that were captured at the event.