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S E P T

2 0 1 6

O C T

www.fbinaa.org

18

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

dbateman@fbinaa.org

| 586.484.3164

Milestones: Traditions of Honor

by Dan Bateman

A

t 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