2014JULAUG

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J U L 2 0 1 4 A U G

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAPLAIN

Lest We Forget by Dan Bateman

A t the FBI National Academy annual training conference, we pause to remember and honor those of our fellow graduates who have passed on since the last annual conference. This ceremony is held in solemnity and reverence in memory of our fellow graduates and friends from the National Academy who are no longer with us. We remember our deceased colleagues with whom we shared the common experience and honor of being a fellow graduate. Many of those who passed away in the last year left a profound and lasting influence and a deep friendship long after we had received our yellow bricks. A tradition started many years ago, the memorial service at the opening ceremonies of our annual training conference is one of honor and remembrance. The memory table is vested with symbolism. The black table covering with a white cloth symbolizes the loyalty and com- mitment of our fellow graduates. A folded American flag represents the courage and sacrifice of those who have passed. A single red rose in a vase symbolizes the family and friends left behind in the passing of our fellow graduates. A police hat and badge represents the absence of our graduate friends. A white candle is lit and placed on the table as a

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constant reminder that our fellow graduates are not, and will not, be forgotten. Finally, a framed list of the names, session number, and date of death of each of our fellow graduates allows all conference attendees an opportunity to review and reflect on the memories and lives of our graduates who have passed away. For those who were not able to attend the annual training con- ference in Philadelphia this year, on the following page is a list of our friends and fellow graduates who passed away since the last conference in Orlando:

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