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.
