In a display of respect and remembrance, the Minneapolis Police Department recently participated in the Wreaths Across America event at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Police Chief O'Hara, alongside the Minneapolis Police Honor Guard, placed wreaths at the gravesites of 12 veterans who had not only served in the military but were also once Minneapolis Police officers, according to a social media post by the department.
Chief O'Hara expressed a deep gratitude for those who bravely represented their country and community. "I am grateful for those who served their country in the armed forces. That gratefulness is deepened by those who also served as police officers, five of whom died in the line of duty," O'Hara stated in the post. "This ceremony of recognition was a moving tribute to their lives. These lives of service are not forgotten." Among the honorees were names such as Ellsworth Johnson, Steve Sizer, and Josh Young.
The annual Wreaths Across America event has become a national movement to remember, honor, and teach about the sacrifices made by veterans as well as current service members and their families. Participants across the country place wreaths on veterans' graves, symbolizing a commitment to not let their service and sacrifices be forgotten during the holiday season.
Recognized alongside their civilian compatriots, these once-shielded names included Timothy Johnson, Luke Bakken, and Gary Weimar. The list continued with David Mack, Daniel Perry, James Hendricks, Lloyd Reed, Jerome Haaf, and Inno Suek.
The ceremony went beyond mere homage, providing comfort to the families and survivors. In Chief O’Hara's words: "To the survivors and loved ones, your sacrifices are honored and your loved ones ’ legacies endure." The MPD, bolstered by initiatives like Wreaths Across America, shows that even as years pass the memories of these service members stand resilient against the tides of time.
