PAX Centurion - April / June 2016

Page 12 • PAX CENTURION • April-May-June 2016 617-989-BPPA (2772) 2016 Boston Police Relief Association Memorial Sunday Mass, June 5, 2016 honors fallen police officers T he annual Boston Police Memorial Mass, sponsored by the Boston Police Relief Association, was held on Sunday, June 5 th , at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Mattapan. Despite an intermittent rain, many officers, family members and dignitaries attended the event, which is held in front of the Police Memorial maintained by the BPRA. A solemn procession of motorcycles, blue lights silently flashing, opened the ceremony and was accompanied by the wailing bagpipes of the Boston Police Gaelic Column and a marching contingent of both uniformed and retired Boston Police officers. The mass was celebrated by BPD Chaplain Father John Connolly. The invocation was given by Grand Rabbi Y.A. Korff, and the benediction was offered by Reverend GaryAdams. The National Anthem was sung by Officer Teddy Hendricks, and the welcoming address was offered by BPRA President James Coyne. Mayor Martin Walsh and Police Commissioner William Evans both reflected on the many years of service offered by the 65 BPD officers who have passed away since May 2015, both active and retired, who were recognized at this solemn occasion. The contributions of each officer’s family members were also duly and properly noted, an often forgotten part of the sacrifice made to a demanding, difficult police career. Superintendent WilliamGross read the roll call, accompanied by a drum roll after each name was recited. After the benediction, the solemn procession marched down the hill in a soft rain, a fitting tribute to the passing of 65 members of the BPD family over the past year, and indeed, of all past members of the BPD. Light refreshments were served after the ceremony. – James Carnell, Pax Editor