FBI Memorial
On what turned out to be a beautiful Southern California day, I had the distinct honor of delivering the keynote address at the 22nd annual FBI Memorial service.
The event takes place outside the Wilshire federal building in the courtyard, nearby a plaque memorializing agents killed in the line of duty. The inscription on the plaque reads as follows:
“By this memorial, the Los Angeles FBI offers solemn tribute to those Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation who have died in the line of duty… YOUR FLAMING TORCH ALOFT WE BEAR…SLEEP PEACEFULLY”
As part of the ceremony Yellow roses are carried by current and retired FBI employees in the name of each Agent killed in the line of duty. Red roses are carried by the LAPD, L.A. Sheriff’s Department and the CHP in remembrance of other local and state law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
White roses are carried by L.A. heads of federal law enforcement agencies in honor of Agents in their agencies killed in the line of duty. Several hundred other folks found shade and seats to observe the event.
The United States Marine Corps components from Camp Pendleton, presented the colors and included an honor guard, color guard and rifle squad (21-gun salute). The event was amazing and I was honored to provide thoughts about those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and their families left behind.
HERE ARE JUST A FEW THOUGHTS/PARTS OF MY COMMENTS AT THE FBI MEMORIAL:
FIRST I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO PAY MY RESPECTS TO SO MANY WHO SERVE OUR COUNTRY. WHETHER IT BE AN AGENT, OFFICER, SOLDIER, OR PUBLIC SERVANT OF ANY TYPE.
I KNOW I SPEAK FOR MY FAMILY, MY FRIENDS, OUR FELLOW COUNTRYMEN AND MYSELF WHEN I SAY THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING THIS GREAT NATION, THANK YOU TO YOUR FAMILIES FOR BEING THE STRENGTH BEHIND YOUR SERVICE.
YOU KNOW, THIS MEMORIAL WEEK SOMETIMES MAY SEEM LIKE AN UNOFICIAL BEGINNING TO SUMMER…SOME MIGHT EVEN ARGUE THAT THE WHOLE MEANING OF THIS MEMORIAL TIME HAS BEEN LOST…..I’D LIKE TO THINK NOT, AND I’LL TELL YOU WHY.
THIS IMPORTANT TIME TO REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE BEGINS A TIME OF THE YEAR MARKED BY TRIPS WITH THE FAMILY, OUTSIDE IN MANY CASES SEEING THESE GREAT STATES OR THE WORLD. IT MARKS THE BEGINNING OF A SEASON WHERE WE CELEBRATE OUR BEGINNING AS A COUNTRY.
WHAT MORE APPROPRIATE WAY TO REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN THEIR LIVES THEN BY HONORING THEM, THEIR MEMORIES, THEIR SERVICE…THAN TO START A SEASON WITH THE BRIGHTEST, LONGEST AND WARMEST DAYS OF THE YEAR.
THE TREES BEAR FRUIT, THE OCEAN WARMS AND WE REFLECT ON THE GOOD TIMES, THE GOOD MEMORIES.
THERE’S AN OLD PORTUGUESE Proverb “What was hard to bear is sweet to remember.”
LOSING ANYONE IS HARD TO BEAR. I CANNOT IMAGINE WHAT IT’S LIKE TO LOSE A COLLEAGUE UNDER FIRE, OR IN THE LINE OF ANY DUTY. MANY OF US CANNOT IMAGINE WHAT IT IS LIKE TO RISK LIFE EVERYTIME YOU PUT ON THAT UNIFORM.
I GUESS YOU COULD SAY MANY OF US IN THE MEDIA ARE LUCKY. WE GET THE RIDE ALONGS, WE GET THE ACCESS TO RAIDS AND SEE THE HARD WORK THAT YOU DO. WE GET TO PLAY COP, SOLDIER, AGENT FOR A DAY OR TWO. BUT WE GET TO WALK AWAY. DEEP INSIDE WE KNOW THE SACRIFICE THAT SO MANY OF YOU MAKE EVERY DAY. AND I MIGHT ADD IT’S NOT JUST YOU MAKING THE SACRIFICE, BUT YOUR FAMILIES. THAT CORE THAT STANDS BEHIND YOU, STOIC, STRONG, COURAGEOUS AND IN SOME CASES WORRISOME. BUT there is NO HESITATION IN SUPPORT.
Adam Housley has been with FNC since 2001 as a Los Angeles-based
correspondent. He has covered news ranging from wildfires in California
to political unrest in Venezuela and was one of the few reporters who
witnessed the execution of Stanley “Tookie” Williams. 
What a beautiful privilege for you to be asked Adam.
Patty, you took the words right out of my mouth (keyboard). As I was reading Adam’s post I was thinking what I would reply and that is exactly what I was going to say.
Amen my sister! Well done Adam!
Adam, what an honor. Wish I could have heard your speech. Bet it was great.
Patty, Sunshine and K2-
Thanks for the support. I have to admit, for the first time in a long time, I was a tad nervous. Just at the start. I will post part of what I said tomorrow.
Adam
I would love to read what you said. Thanks for sharing that Adam.
this was different…
Instead of eating posts, or mysteriously reposting only half my attempts, *THIS TIME* the posts between 1000pm and 1100pm just vanished on a screen refresh.
Pity.
I had even said something flattering.
LDG-
I think the wordpress goblins have your number.
Adam
Congratulations on such an honor, Adam! I too am looking forward to reading your address.
.:) Carrie
Agent Housley
Adam-
You are a good man!
I want to read what you said!
And remember Benjamin Franklin on humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates. LOL
xxxx
LDG-
Is your blood pressure up? Take an aspirin, smoke a cigar, and drink a glass of wine!
Signed,
Doctor Susan
xxx
thank you, Doctor. I am spared blood pressure issues, but I shall enjoy the cure none the less.
((nodsmile))
That doesn’t change the fact that it is becoming so hard to get comments through reliably that it is worth reporting it.
Adam……………..That’s quite an honor that was instilled on you. But then again, you’re constant support of the men and women that protect us (something that is all too easily forgetable as we live our daily lives) deserve a special recognition. I can’t think of a greater honor than to be asked to speak at one of their memorial services.
John-
It was an honor for me and my family.
Adam
Sounds like a good time.
Only when i looked at the photos at full size did i see that Adam was in more than just one of the photos. At least i think it’s Adam. It looks like him on the far left in the first photo, and holding one of the wreaths of yellow flowers in the third photo.
A privilege and an honor, Adam. Looking forward to reading your address.
Susan - check out all the hard work I’ve done in the house.
Patty - was that you that left a comment on the slide? funny! was a nice surprise.
try again. I didn’t post the link with my name.
Weird… I had left a comment… it is gone?
Hello everybunny!
Adam—-
Very nice; looking forward to reading your salute to these brave men and women.
Great pictures too.
I saw the disappearing act of this thread last night also..
I am disappearing for awhile too…Arizona here I come!!
My next ‘you report’ will be my interview of Susan and Ken. LOL Any advice Adam??
Jen S.
WOW….well, Ken is cool. Susuan is animated and as energetic in person as she is on this blog. Bring your energy drinks!
AND…..just because you are going to Arizona doesn’t mean you can’t check in. Have a great time.
Adam
Jen,
have funn!!!!!!!!!!
Adam ~ What a wonderful opportunity! I too would love to read what you said in your speech.
Jen S ~ Have fun with Susan!!!!
Adam how amazing is that? FBI speaking address! I bet your parents were so excited! Wonderful words, you can tell you worked on it a long time.
What I have heard over the phone of Ken, he is crackup! Susan seems like she is a roadrunner to me.
LDG I had a problem like that for awhile, everyone else had no problems but me, I was convinced I was in Lockdown mode on the blog. Susan kept saying “how am I in?”, and that was my same question!
Adam when you coming to Israel?
Avi-
Hopefully this fall. I of course will let you know. How does it look over there?
Adam
Jen - have fun with Susan!!!
Susan - wish I were going too!!!
Patty - where’s your slide??
Max - I saw Adam in each of those pictures!
ALL - ARE YOU WATCHING THE SHUTTLE LAUNCH TODAY AT 5:02 pm???
Kathy - Lefty’s cute!!!
FL,
5: 02 pm…………. soo random of a time…. lol
Sunshine: I don’t think that’s him in the 2nd photo, the tie looks different, and his head is a different shape.
I like what you did with your house.
Adam,
pretty good same old same old….. You might get lucky and be here for the elections which are coming in Sept or so…..
posting a photo of the launch from my front yard. hope it comes through. beautiful launch!
Wow, that’s awesome Adam…I know what an honor that was for you to do that. I’m sure you met plenty of “Fox Watchers” there!
At least they’ll know who you are the next time they see you in the field!
Chuckie D-
Yep…met some amazing people. Good to hear you are doing well.
Adam
Wow-what a privilege, Adam! Thank you for sharing it with us.
FL Sunshine ~ That’s a great picture!! I didn’t watch it live but I just saw it on foxnews.com.
obama leaves church amid controversy. how convenient ! he joins for the black votes, and leaves
now for the white votes , for gen. election. he will get the black vote no matter what !
of course, now he is pandering.
P.S. i miss gretawire blog. i am not able to get that web page.
Max - I do believe you are correct!! that guy also looks too skinny. lol plus it was probably taken just after the 1st and Adam would’ve had to RUN over to the other side. lol
Avi - lol “so random of a time” yea, ha ha! Well, I guess I didn’t want anyone to miss it. lol Do they show it on the news there?
sweet cobra - you got it right! that entire “church” if it can be called that - makes me sick!!! that is NOT preaching the Word of God. That is a place for someone to spew their ideas in a rant and rage. Shame on them for doing it under “the cloak”. I know at my church there is NEVER a mention in support of any one person or party and politics are NOT talked about during church!
FL,
Sorta… i watched it on Fox news…. we have it here lol
Susan is animated…i like that description!!!! Made me laugh
Jen…you already know i am totally jealous that you get to see her! But i am also thrilled for you both, should be tons of fun and that much laughter also!!! and ya, i’ll be pouting a lil.
Adam…your address was perfect, i can’t imagine the nerves knowing what a honor it was. You definitely are gifted with words! Btw…you were wearing your heart on your sleeve again. *S*
Chuckie? *L* gotta love that nick name, NOT! all i see now is that stupid doll!
I”ll stick to Chuck D.
Fl…here ya go http://www.slide.com/r/5IpmO6on6D9wdcBwmjURrZURiqadeZb-?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original
and ya, that was me that left the msg!
While you are there, “sunset before storms” is a new one, and “closeups around the yard”.
Adam,
Being in Houston, TX I’ve never heard of you untill this story. What an honor indeed to speak at the Memorial Service. From the comments I read, I have but one question? As a Police Officer myself, how can we ((Police Officers in the Houston area) get you to move down here? Support from the media is not someting we enjoy at all…a trend that is , sadly, being passed on to the Public.
If your in the Houston area - your welcome to a ride along with me anytime.
Again, thanks for your words at the Memorial and your support to the Officers in your area…
Richard-
Thanks so much for the invite. I know Texas well having played some minor league baseball there for one season. As I also mentioned in my comments, I believe the media is the watch dog, but that law enforcement and first responders are the guard dog. We CAN work together and at the same time we can keep each other in check. I think sometimes the media believes they have to assume law enforcement is doing wrong, only then to be proven otherwise. I don’t agree with that assessment.
Adam
Adam,
You are a class act.
Kirk-
I am flattered, but I only spoke the truth. Thanks for coming to the blog.
Adam
Sunshine: Yes, Adam is more muscular.
Max..the pics you mentioned are adam (i think) …look at the tie in each one.
I just stumbled upon your blog via Drudge. I was there to see you give your speech in person. Congratulations! You did a great job!
Patty: Yes, 1st, 3rd and 4th are Adam i think.
Adam:
Great words and thoughts. Thanks for being a voice for those of us who are not as eloquent speakers.
Your Mom and Dad must be sooooooo proud. Give them our best.