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By Margaret Dayton
Utah State Senator, District 15

This morning I attended a very tender, touching, and inspiring event at the Capitol. I joined with hundreds of others on the south lawn of Capitol Hill for the Dedication Ceremony of the Utah Law Enforcement Memorial.

Even as I approached the gathering, I sensed the significance of the impending ceremony. There were multitudes of uniformed peace officers in attendance. Greeters passed out lapel pins that were replicas of the Law Enforcement Memorial Plaque. Families and friends of the law enforcement community displayed a sense of reverence as they gathered. A bagpiper high on the hill was playing 'Amazing Grace.'

Gov. Huntsman gave tender tribute to the law enforcement community and their families - and he commented specifically on the first name on the Memorial wall, the last name on the wall, and also a Huntsman name on the wall.

Robert Kirby acknowledged the 125 names of The Fallen with Department Roll Call. There were other appropriate prayers and comments including a 21 gun salute and taps and the release of white pigeons - all part of the tribute paid to those who have died in the line of duty. The statues that were unveiled created an increased sense of the significance of the sacrifice made by The Fallen. It felt like a sacred occasion. Indeed, President Packer (President of the Quorum of the Twelve, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) in his dedicatory prayer, indicated that the Memorial is 'a sacred place.'

Those in attendance shared many significant moments. Of course, those attending also had their own meaningful personal moments of reflection. I would like to share two of mine. There is a name plate on the wall for each peace officer who has given his or her life in the line of duty. They were listed in the program in chronological order according to death date - starting with Rodney Badger from Salt Lake County in April 1853. The final name, Stephen R. Anderson, (Department of Corrections, June 2007) was added today by members of his family. Watching them participate in that process, I am sure I was not the only one who hoped and prayed that there would be no more names added.

The other reflective moment actually encompasses the entire ceremony because of my location. I was standing near the area where the late peace officers' family members were seated. I was near the flag - and stood next to one of my senate colleagues, Ogden City Police Chief Jon Greiner. It was the first time I had seen Jon in his uniform. I could not thank all the peace officers that were there today for their service, but I did thank Police Chief / Senator Greiner. I am pleased to serve with him in the senate - and felt honored to stand by him during this important ceremony.

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