Dedicated on May 14, 1993, The Greater
Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial is
located at the corner of West 3rd St.
and Lakeside Ave in downtown Cleveland
in the historic Huntington Park.
Once the site of Fort Huntington, built
to defend the city during the War of
1812, it is only fitting that it now
serve to honor both those who continue
to protect, and those who have died protecting
our lives and property.
Constructed of black polished granite
the structure comprises almost 1,000
square feet of space. The structure
consists of a curved wall that slopes
gently from two feet high upward to six
feet semi-surrounding three granite tablets.
The Memorial wall bears the inscription: "The
Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial"
The three tablets inside the curved
wall measure seven feet wide, twelve feet
high and two feet thick. Each bears the
name, law enforcement agency, and date
of death of each of the 172 area peace
officers who have died in the line of
duty. Sadly one of them has space
remaining for those officers who have
yet to pay the supreme sacrifice in the
never-ending war on crime.
Leading up to the Memorial are
brick pavers. These are part of the walkways
and viewing areas outside of the Memorial. The
Society offers the public a meaningful
way to show support and be a part of
the endeavor by purchasing a personalized
brick.
Each May, the Society sponsors the Greater
Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Celebration
in conjunction with National Police Week
and Peace Officers Memorial Day (May
15th). Events include a parade through
downtown Cleveland followed by a service
at the memorial.
One of the premier events is the Greater
Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Tattoo.
In the time-honored tradition of the
military tattoo, the pipes & drums
of numerous police departments throughout
the United States and Canada, as well
as marching bands, drill teams, dance
and choral groups, combine their talents
in a spectacular display of pageantry
and music. The law enforcement community
and the general public gather together
in remembrance, fellowship and celebration
to indeed “Honor our Fallen”. |