09.30.2015 –
FORT MYER, Va. – Military police, families and friends gathered at Arlington National Cemetery for the Military Police Corps Regimental Remembrance Ceremony held Sept. 30. Guests paid special tribute to the military police who sacrificed their lives while serving.
Maj. Gen. Mark S. Inch, the provost marshal general of the Army, hosted the group of former and current military police who answered our Nation’s call to... Assist... Protect... Defend…
Inch welcomed guest to the Military Police Marker at Site 55 and the ceremony to formally and collectively reflect on the sacrifice our 822 fallen military police Soldiers, their families and friends have made.
Inch introduced guest speaker Sgt. Maj Timothy Fitzgerald, the provost marshal general sergeant major.
Fitzgerald has served 23 years in a variety or law enforcement leadership and criminal investigative positions.
Fitzgerald spoke of the military police ball to celebrate 74 years of the military police corps that was just six days ago.
“I would submit that our celebration six days ago was possible in part because of the sacrifices of these 822 men and woman who gave their last full measure of devotion to us and our nation,” Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald acknowledged the impact of having to continue life with the empty void of a lost loved one and explains how their memory can help ease the pain.
“We wish for one more moment with them but it will not come in this life,” he said. “Their memory helps us in how we live today. For today is a gift and we must be purposeful in how we are going to live today.”
Fitzgerald urged the listeners to honor these soldier's sacrifice by living today well because we do not know what tomorrow will bring.
Spc. Nolte, of the 289th MP Company, presented a wreath at the ceremony.
After the ceremony, the group traveled to The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Following the changing of the guard, Inch and Fitzgerald accompanied by Jensen and Sgt. Jeremy Wood from the 89th MP Brigade, placed a wreath to honor the lives of military police.