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S E P T 2 0 1 6 O C T
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAPLAIN
FBI National Academy together and in their respective career paths
following graduation.
While many know the symbolism and tradition associated with
the Memory Table, it does as well to reflect and remember once more.
As the Apostle Peter wrote in First Peter, chapter 1, and verse 12 of the
Bible’s New Testament: “So I will always remind you of these things, even
though you know them…”
1. The table, covered with a white cloth, symbolizes the loyalty
and commitment of our fellow graduates throughout their career
of service to their respective communities.
2. An encased and folded American flag is placed on the table to
represent the courage and sacrifice of our fellow graduates as
they protected our freedom and provided a safe environment for
the citizens they served.
3. A single red rose in a vase is placed on the table to symbolize the
family and friends of our fellow graduates left behind.
4. A police hat and badge is placed on the table to symbolize the
absence of our fellow graduates.
5. A white candle is placed on the table to be lit during the service
as a constant reminder that our fellow graduates are not and will
not be forgotten.
6. A framed list providing the name, session, and date of death
of each of our fellow graduates is posted on
the table as a visible reminder of our fellow
graduates and friends who have gone on.
This year, we remembered 100 of our
FBI National Academy Associates who had
passed away since our last conference in
Seattle. The Memory Table remained on
display throughout the 2016 St. Louis con-
ference until our Closing Ceremony so at-
tendees could review, reflect, and remember
friends ones who had gone on.
For those who could not attend, please
take moment to review and reflect on the
following list of honored individuals.
Peace and blessings,
Dan Bateman, Chaplain
| 586.484.3164
Milestones: Traditions of Honor
by Dan Bateman
At every annual training conference during the opening ceremonies,
our organization takes time to recognize, reflect, and honor
our fellow FBI National Academy Associate members who have passed
away since the previous conference. This time-honored tradition is
a solemn highlight to the proceedings and occurs during the many
events associated with the opening ceremony
This year, I have focused on the theme “Milestones” and the me-
morial ceremony is another great milestone in the history of the FBI
National Academy Associates. Ironically, this singular great milestone
is comprised of many important individual milestones of those who
have passed on. We had the honor and privilege of knowing them on
our mutual pathway of service.
At the St. Louis conference in July, we paused to reflect, hon-
or, and remember those colleagues, friends, and associates who have
passed away since our last conference in Seattle in 2015. Our National
Academy is founded on 81 years of legacy since its first session in 1935.
Likewise, our members, who left us in the past year, are milestones
in the life of our Association and in the individual lives of our fellow
members who were privileged to know them and call them “friend”.
As a family of law enforcement, we embrace and honor their memory
as well as the family members left behind. They... and we... are sad-
dened at our loss but are strengthened in our collective honoring as we
paused and remembered them during the Opening Ceremonies.
The memorial service itself is vested with honor, tradition, and
solemnity as each name is read aloud in the presence of the assembled
conferees. With each name, there is a story of friendship, service, fam-
ily, and fond memories. As the list is read in order of session number,
conference attendees watch closely as their particular session draws
near. Then the name of some friend and colleague appears. Memories
come alive of the common bond they shared when they attended the