Choir Helps Oakland Police Remember Fallen

written by A.G. • May 26, 2009 Leave a Comment 

Yesterday was Memorial Day, a day when we remember people in the military who died serving our country. Earlier this month, it was a day of remembrance for another group of people who died serving our country– our police officers.

Wednesday, May 6th was no ordinary day for the City of Oakland. It was the day that the police department held their yearly memorial service for their officers that have died in the line of duty, protecting our city and the people who live in it. Police officers from the past and present.

They reflected upon those who went out and risked their lives every day to keep Oakland safe, but lost the battle through their deaths. In March, we lost four officers to a fatal shooting and they were recognized by their fellow officers at the ceremony.

St. Leo the Great’s gospel choir had the amazing honor of singing at the event. The choir has been participating in the ceremony for ten years now. They are always grateful for being invited back every year, but because of the big and tragic event that took place in March, they were unsure if it would be done differently this year.

Fortunately, they received the phone call through their music teacher and choir director, Mrs. Janice Reid. The choir worked very hard to keep their excitement down since they had to remember that this was a solemn occasion, and not a performance.

And they didn’t disappoint! St. Leo the Great was represented very well and made the school proud once again. The voices of the children were comforting to the families and co-workers of the fallen officers who were present, bringing some officers and family members to tears.

It was a great comfort for them to hear children’s voices in song. The choir sang off to the side, so that they wouldn’t be the center of attention. The Oakland Police Department appreciated the choir a great deal, giving many “thank yous” and gestures of gratitude. The students felt extremely privileged and honored to be part of the event.

“I felt like I did something good for the police officers and families and it was a great life experience,” 8th grader McKenzie Oldham said. 7th grader Kayla Jones said that she felt, “very honored that we were chosen out of all the other school[s].”

6th grader Devohn Moore, who sang a special solo for the police officers, felt very accomplished, “because I did something good.”

by Andrea Granera, 8th grade
Editor / THE LION LEDGER