Memorial Day: To Honor Those Who Serve

On this Monday, May 30, 2011, we stop and think about those who serve; who protect and defend us to honor the principles we hold dear. We acknowledge the sacrifices of those who have gone before us, so that we can  live as we live, with rights and freedoms. But lets not forget that Kelly Rothwell was a person who served, a person who is worthy of our respect and admiration for her courage, her dignity and her grace. She recognized something in herself that she wanted to share with others. Her compassion, her empathy, her caring nature was naturally attune to the needs of others. It was her passion to help people and in that fashion, she forged a calling among those others who serve to protect us.

She was a Police Officer; perhaps not on paper, but certainly in her heart and actions. She developed and honed the skills of nurture, kindness and intuitiveness that would have made her outstanding in her field. She was loved by her peers and respected by her superiors. She was a person that anyone would have been proud to call friend.

On this day, as we celebrate with food and drink, friends and family, let us all pause and let Kelly speak to our hearts. Let us remember her family, grieving for the unknown and her close friends, whose sadness seems impossible to bear. Let us open our hearts to those who feel her absence so acutely.


Kelly Rothwell is as much a hero as any other person who serves or served to protect and defend the rights of all of us.

She will be remembered today and everyday, for her spirit, her smile, her laughter and her kindness.

For those who have loved ones who serve now or have served, we thank you from the depths of our hearts. We pray for the safe return of those who battle still; who toil in the struggle for freedom.
We ask that you keep Kelly Rothwell in your prayers, until she is home once again.

May you find some comfort in the arms of the angels, Kelly, until we can bring you justice.

We will bring you justice and bring you home.