Washington, D.C.

Sam and Bobby led the six members of the Black Badges down the side walk as if they owned the city. They were headed for the center of the 400 block of E Street, NW, Washington, DC. To many people this small section of the nation’s capital held little or no interest. For Kasey it was her first time to this memorial. She had read about this place during their school work back on Ram’s Rock Island. It had been her grandmother and Miss Anna that had given her a seven-thousand-word report to do on this memorial.

Ever since then, she has wanted to see those simples curved stone walls covered in names. She never forgot the words of her grandfather concerning this memorial either. ‘You should always know the ultimate price that gets paid so others may sleep well in the beds.’ For Kasey though they were her fallen brothers and sisters. Ever sense she had received her Black Star, she looked on the members of law enforcement as her family. To Kasey that meant that every man or woman that wore a badge was now a DeMarco or Capizeo.

This was the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and is the nation’s monument to law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. Dedicated on October 15, 1991, the Memorial honors federal, state and local law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of our nation and its people.

There are two curving, 304-foot-long blue-gray marble walls. Carved on these walls are the names of more than 21,000 officers who have been killed in the line of duty throughout U.S. history, dating back to the first known death in 1791. Unlike many other memorials in Washington, DC, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is ever-changing with the new names of fallen officers are added to the monument each spring, in conjunction with National Police Week. The Memorial sits on three acres of federal park land in an area of Washington, DC called Judiciary Square, the historic seat of our nation’s judicial branch of government.

Bordering the Memorial’s beautifully landscaped park are the two tree-lined "pathways of remembrance" where the names of the fallen officers are engraved. Each of the pathway entrances is adorned with a powerful statuary grouping of an adult lion protecting its cubs. The bronze statues symbolize the protective role of law enforcement officers and convey the strength, courage and valor that are hallmarks of those who serve and protect.

A number of commemorative ceremonies are held at the Memorial each year, and the site is visited by nearly a quarter million people annually. The Memorial’s beauty and tranquility make it a special place for reflection, contemplation or just a quiet moment away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This was just the first stop on their vacation to the capital.

Kristine had picked the second stop. Like the first it was also a simple wall covered in names. Only the next stop was slightly more well known. The Memorial Wall is made up of two 246-foot-9-inch long black granite walls, polished to a high finish making them appear to have a mirror effect; while etched with the names of the servicemen being honored in 144 panels of horizontal rows with regular typeface and spacing. The walls are sunken into the ground, with the earth behind them. At the highest tip, they are 10.1 feet high, and they taper to a height of 8 inches at their extremities. Some say this represents a "wound that is closed and healing". The stone for the 144 panels was quarried in Bangalore, India. There is a pathway along the base of the Wall where visitors may walk.

The wall originally listed 57,939 names when it was dedicated in 1982; but other names have since been added and as of May 2017 there were 58,318 names, including eight women. The number of names on the wall is different from the official number of U.S. Vietnam War deaths, which is 58,220. The names inscribed are not a complete list of those who are eligible for inclusion as some were omitted at the request of their families.

Like Kasey, Kristine had learned about the memorial during their schoolwork. Only it was one of their history classes with Lyssa and Rodrick that had peeked Kristine’s interest in the memorial. The number of names that were carved into those heavy black granite slabs had meaning to her. Each one was more than just some long-forgotten soldier. They were fallen aunts and uncles just as the members of the OICA were today.

As they neared the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, Annette notices something her daughters have failed to spot. Looking over at Hunter, Samantha, and Bobby; Annette falls back just a little. She may carry a badge now, but she will always be an assassin first. This place was not hers. She knew that she had no place among these names. When the time came Annette expected that the only memorial her name will ever adorn will be the family mausoleum in Sicily. The quiet somber mood that had fallen over Sam, Bobby, and Hunter just reinforced this fact in her mind.

Hunter turned and looked over at where Annette had fallen back. “You belong here love. Just as much as any of us. You have earned your right to visit this place. Your past is in the past. Now, you’re a U.S. Deputy Marshal. Never forget that love. You earned that badge the same as every other officer has earned it. Sure, you came about through a backdoor, but you still earned that black star in your purse.”

“No, Hunter this is your place of honor. Yours, Sam’s, and Bobby’s. I know this to be the truth.” Annette knew that she had to correct the man she loved. “I’m just paying for the sins of the family.”

“Wrong Annette.” Sam said from her place in front. “You have earned your place here. I learned a long time ago that you can’t pay for the past sins of our families. Besides, in the old country we were the ones that brought justice to those who thought themselves above the law. Just as we do now.”

Hearing their parents’ discussion Kasey reached into her purse and pulled out the small billfold that held her creds. Opening it, she looked hard at the black and silver star of a U.S. Deputy Marshal. Kasey had known from day one that it was no ordinary badge. There were seven of these Black Badges in the world and she carried one of them. Her sister Kristine, all four parents, and grandmother carried the other six. The pride she felt at that moment over this fact was beyond any she had ever felt before. To be here at this solemn place of remembrance and be counted among them fueled that pride.

Wrapping Annette in a hug, Kasey smiled at her. “Come on mom. We’ve earned our place here. We’re U.S. Deputy Marshals and nobody can take that away.”

A young man walking passed the small family wearing the uniform of a National Parks Police Officer overheard Kasey’s statement. “Excuse me young lady but did you just say that you’re a Deputy Marshal? You do understand that impersonating a Police Officer is a very serious felony?”

Bobby, Hunter, and Sam started to chuckle as Kasey and Annette responded by flashing the NPP Officer their creds. “Um… Sorry Deputies. We don’t normally see groups of Officers here except for during National Police Week.”

“We understand Officer.” Bobby gave the young officer a friendly smile before pulling out his creds. “Deputy Marshal Everbrite at your service. Allow me to make introductions. Going around the family, we have Deputies Samantha and Kristine Justice, Deputies Annette and Kasey DeMarco, and last but not least Deputy Hunter Taugh. And yes, the two teenagers are full Deputy Marshals they kind of handle our Cyber-crimes work.”

The NPP Officer gave Bobby a strange look before looking at the Special Operations Group credentials just a little harder. “Damn! I’ve heard you guys recruit them young, but I would never have thought you would go after teenagers. Wait, that came out wrong.”

Chuckling Hunter put the man at ease. “Relax Officer. We know what you mean. If our daughters weren’t so damned good with computers and high school grads they wouldn’t have those badges. Hell, the only reason they have them is to keep them in line at work.”

“Thankyou for being so understanding ma’am. So, is this their first time to the memorial?” he asked pointing at Kasey and Kristine.

“With the exception of me and Bobby, this is the first time for the whole team.” Hunter answered quickly. He knew that Sam had been here before, but his answer lent credibility for Annette and the girls. He knew that Sam had gotten a lot of shit dumped on her because of how young she looked.

“Well, enjoy your visit. And remember respect the fallen.” With that the young man walked off.

“Thanks, for the cover Hunter.” Sam said quietly. “Come on guys. I got a few stops to make here.”

Sam led the way towards the nearest of the two pathways of remembrance. She knew that she would find the names of James Williams, Thomas Gates, and William Hickok. She just had to take her time. She still remembered the three men who had died protecting her eighteen years ago. When they reached the first name, James Williams, Samantha pulled a piece of paper and charcoal out of her backpack. Kneeling down Samantha took her time as she made a rubbing of the name. She repeated this process two more times, once each for Thomas Gates and William Hickok. As Sam stood up from the last rubbing an elderly couple walked up. The woman looked at Sam with questioning eyes.

“May I help you ma’am?” Sam asked of her.

“I was just wondering why you were making a rubbing of my son’s name?” She answered truthfully as she eyed Sam up and down. “You don’t look like one of his old partners. You’re much too young. No offence, young lady.”

Sam smiled, and Bobby nudged her shoulder. “No ma’am, I was never one of your son’s partners, but I do owe him my life. When I was much younger barely a teenager he saved my life from a real scumbag.”

“Oh, I see. Were you one of his Wit-Sec Protectee’s?” Mrs. Gates asked returning Sam’s smile.

“No ma’am. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I never forgot the Deputy Marshal that save my life that day. He was the reason I wanted to become a Deputy myself. In his honor as it were.” Sam pulled out her creds and showed them to the elderly couple. “I only just learned that he was killed in the line off duty. This is my first chance to pay my respects.”

“Thankyou dear for doing that. Thomas was such a dedicated officer.” Looking at the small group with Sam. “And who are these young people with you dearie?”

“My partners ma’am. We just got done with a very nasty case and were granted some down time. They all agreed to visit the memorial with me. We’re going to see some of the sights while we’re in D.C. before heading back to Portland.” Sam knew that she had to think fast. As Portland was on the other side of the country she figured the old couple wouldn’t want to talk long. She was right because Mr. Gates took a hold his wife’s hand.

“Come along Elisabeth the Deputies don’t have much time to relax. You remember how Tommy was when he came home.” Looking at the Black Badge Deputies. “You Deputies take time and smell the Cherry Blossoms.”

With that the Hunter led the six members of the Black Badges away. Instead of walking to the Vietnam memorial they hailed one of the many taxies in the area. Once inside Bobby told the driver to drop them at the Lincoln Memorial. The family took their time and walked around the Lincoln memorial before using the walking trails to head for the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial. As they neared the memorial both Kasey and Kristine felt the air become still.

The closer they came the quieter the atmosphere became. They knew they were nearing a psychical reminder of a most terrible time in their nations history. This was brought to the front of their minds as they rounded the corner of the pathway where they got their first real look at the black wall. Just as with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial both girls fell silent in honor in this place. The four-hundred and ninety-nine-foot and six-inch wall was both imposing and inspiring for the two teens.

“We shall never forget.” Kristine whispered to no one in particular.

“We know that you won’t girls.” Hunter answered Kristine’s whisper. “Just pray that we never have to erect such a reminder again.”

“Move it old man before I kick your ass.” Said a teenage boy as he pushed passed Bobby and Hunter. “You’re blocking the view of some fine assed bitches.”

All four adult members of the Black Badges were reaching for their cuffs as the teenager sashayed his way in front of Kasey and Kristine. “Yeh bitches wha’cha doing hanging around that old fuck for? Why don’t you come with me? I got’s plenty of weed and some fine assed liquor back at my place. We’s could one hell of a party with my crew.”

Kasey just shook her head as Kristine sighed. “Man are you one dumb fuck street punk. Those four people behind you are our parents and they all have badges and guns. If I was you I would run for the Hill. I’m sure there’s a Congressman or Senator that would pay good money for your type of entertainment. If not for the privilege of plugging your ass.” Kasey snored.

When the teenager went to smack Kasey, he was greeted by the sounds of hammers cocking and coughs. He looked over at the now very pissed off adults to see four U.S. Deputy Marshal badges. Bobby just gave the boy a lopsided grin saying. “Scram.”

The street wise punk showed an uncommon amount of common sense in the face of such force. He took off at a dead run as if his very life depended on it. In a very real way it had. When one is out numbered four-to-one by the cops it is usually best to surrender or follow directions. As he ran though his pants fell down around his ankles tripping him. Unfortunately for him it happened right in front of a National Parks Police Officer. All six stood there watching as the punk was arrested for indecent exposure, lude and vicious behavior, and resisting arrest.

“Kasey that has to be one of the best in your face smack downs I’ve heard in a while. You handled that like a pro, kiddo.” Hunter said as he pulled her into a hug. “You did us all proud. You to Kristine.”

“He was just a stupid punk that needed a reality check, dad. He didn’t need an ass beating. Besides if Kristine or me beat the boy’s ass the NPP would have gotten involved. I doubt that grandma and grandpa would have liked that report. Anyway, we’re here on vacation.” Kasey explained.

The adults smiled at their oldest daughter’s attitude. Over the next hour they walked the grounds of the monument. They saw the Three Soldiers, and the Women’s memorials that were apart of the over all memorial. The more the teens saw the more the came to appreciate the sacrifices of the men and women that came before them. Just before noon Hunter called a halt to their walk. After getting some lunch the six deputies got another cab. This time their destination was on the other side of the Potomac River. It would be their last stop for the day. It was also the one where Major Paul Dannigan and Maria DeMarco would meet them.

Kasey and Kristine were amazed and awed by the red brick archway of the main entrance to the cemetery, the McClellan Arch. It towers 30 feet above the main roadway. Both teens stopped to read the gold passages bellow the golden name of the archway. Kasey said aloud for the group. "On fame's eternal camping ground their silent tents are spread, And glory guards with solemn round, the bivouac of the dead."

“Kasey, Kristine, do you understand the meaning behind those words?” Maria’s question startled the teens as she and Paul had walked up out of nowhere.

“Yes, ma’am.” Kasey answered first. As Kristine nodded her head yes. “They talk about how this place is to be respected at all times for the men and women buried here. They paid the ultimate price for our freedom.”

“Very good, Kasey. As we walk through the cemetery I want you two girls to remember those words. And what they mean to you.” Paul said with a smile as he hugged his granddaughters. “Now tell me about your visits to the two Walls. How did they make you feel?”

Kristine looked down at her feet. “I don’t know about how Kasey felt but for me the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial remind me of my old family. Uncle Bat once told me that there were six Masterson family members on those walls. I looked for them and only found two. I felt that I had real psychical ties to them. It made me both proud and sad at the same time.”

“I know that those names change every year grandpa. I saw where they were setting up to engrave this year’s new names. It just makes me want to work that much harder to bring down the scumbags.” Kasey told Paul.

Paul kept his face passive as he listens to the teens. “And what of the Vietnam Memorial girls? How did that wall make you feel?”

Both Kasey and Kristine got very quiet. Kasey was the first to answer their grandfather. “I now know why Prima Lyssa wanted us to learn about the memorial. You can feel the grief in the air.”

“It’s no wonder why some vets call it the wound that never heals.” Kristine sighed. “I don’t know if we have any family among those names, but it sure felt that way to me. What about you sis?”

“The same for me, Kris. I felt that they were my family and I shouldn’t forget them. Does that make sense?” Kasey asked of Paul.

Paul just sadly smiled as he placed a hand on the shoulder of each teen. “Girls that makes a lot of sense. In a very real way those men and women are your extended family. Now, as walk through Arlington I want you to remember how you felt at those other two places.”

“We have a few stops to make inside today girls. I want you to pay attention at each one. Our first is The Memorial Amphitheater. Remember girls that while many ceremonies are conducted throughout the country, many consider the services at Arlington's Memorial Amphitheater to be the nation's official ceremonies to honor all American service members who serve to keep the United States free.” Maria’s words while meant for her granddaughters were overheard by a passing group of Venture Scouts from the Boy Scouts of America.

The Troop Leader stopped and smiled at Maria. “Excuse me ma’am. But we couldn’t help but overhear how you described the Memorial Amphitheater. From the sound of pride in your voice I take it that you have family members that are serving or have served.”

Paul slipped his arm through Maria’s and smiled as she answered him. “You could say that young man. Have a pleasant day. Be sure to visit the Tomb of the Unknowns. Be sure to stay for the Changing of the Guard.”

With that Maria let Paul lead her and her family on into the cemetery. Kasey and Kristine started it by giggling at the confused look on the Troop leader’s face. Soon all the members of the Black Badges were chuckling. However, they soon turned somber as they passed a funeral for a young soldier. Bobby, Hunter, and Paul all stopped and saluted as the Bugler played Taps. Sam, Annette, Kasey, and Kristine just crossed themselves in honor of the fallen soldier while Maria led them in the pray for the Fallen.

“Dear Lord,
I saw a soldier kneeling down for this was the first quiet place he had found.
He had traveled through jungles, rivers, deserts and mud.
His hands were scared and toil-worn.
He folded his hands and looked towards the sky.
I saw his tears, as they welled in his eyes.
I heard his first sorrow chocked filled words.
God bless my men who now lay dead.
I don’t know what You have in mind but please be kind.
For when they come before you they will be poorly dressed but will walk proudly for they have done their best.
Their boots will be muddy, and their clothes are torn.
But those clothes they have proudly worn.
Their hearts will be cold and still inside.
For they have fought their best and did so with pride.
So please take care of them as they pass your way. For the price of freedom, they have already paid.
Amen.”

“That was beautiful, Ria. Where did you learn that prayer?” Paul asked quietly just above a whisper.

“From an old family friend dear. I think that you know her.” The smile gave away Maria’s family friend. Paul just chuckled.

“Nonnina, do you have a prayer for every occasion?” Asked a smiling Kasey.

“I have found child, that you can find solace for every occasion in the Good Book. More often than not, there is a prayer that accompanies those words of wisdom. There is even a prayer for assassins. Just as there is a prayer and patron Saint for Police Officers. When we get back to our hotel tonight I shall show both you and your sister.” The smile Maria showed the two teens was one of a proud grandmother.

“There is a patron Saint for Police Officers. Who is it Nonnina?” Kristine asked quickly. “I know that Saint George is the Patron Saint for soldiers.”

Annette placed her hand on Kristine’s shoulder smiling. “St Michael the Archangel is the patron Saint for police officers, paramedics, firefighters and the military. He kind of has a very wide area of responsibility.”

As they talked about Maria’s prayer the family of Deputy Marshals had walked towards the National Amphitheater. As they entered the Amphitheater they all showed the hallowed place the respect it was due. They walked with reverent steps as they visited the Amphitheater. When it was time, Paul led them outside and down the steps towards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Over the next half they stood and watched as the Sentinels performed their duties. For the first fifteen minutes not much happened except for the one lone Sentinel slowly marching back and forth in front of the Tomb. At the top of the hour the Relief Commander appeared. Kasey and Kristine stared on with awe and reverence as one of the most respected ceremonies in the U.S. Military took place before their very eyes. They paid close attention to the Relief Commander’s instructions for the crowd to rise and remain silent during the ceremony, all the while, the posted sentinel continued with his routine. As the Relief Commander was speaking, the relief sentinel appeared. The commander walked over to the relief sentinel.

The commander conducted a full inspection of the new sentinel, inspecting the weapon and the sentinel himself. Paul had explained earlier that this is a real inspection and the relief sentinel can be sent away, leaving the current sentinel in place till the next scheduled Changing of the Guard. With the relief sentinel approved, both the relief commander and relief sentinel walked to the middle to meet with the posted sentinel, all the while keeping in step with each other.

At this point, the relief commander completed the ceremony by having the posted sentinel step off of the mat and face the relief sentinel. Both sentinels acknowledged each other with orders. Then all three saluted the Tomb, the relief sentinel stepped onto the mat and took over where the now relieved sentinel left off. Both the relief commander and the relieved sentinel walked off (all amazingly in step with each other) and exited off to the right, concluding the ceremony.

Fifteen minutes after the Changing of the Guard Paul led them towards the Grave of Present John F. Kennedy. Bobby, Hunter, Sam, and Annette left the teens, Paul and Maria at this point. The two men wanted to pay their respects to some friends buried here. Sam and Annette went along to help their husbands as they remembered their fallen brothers.

Paul also wondered around the cemetery accompanied by Maria and the teens. The girls wanted to ask him about the graves he visited but Maria’s simple look of ‘not now’ kept them quiet. The family regrouped in the parking lot after two hours. Once there Paul suggested they go to a diner that he knew about not to far from the National Mall on 17th Street. Paul let the four adults take a taxi while he drove Maria and girls over to the diner.

During the drive Paul looked into the rearview mirror. “Tell what you learned here today girls.”

“That the price for freedom is the blood of patriots. For starters and it must be paid on a steady basis.” Kasey answered first.

“Our everyday life is protected by those that walk a thin Blue Line. Who place themselves in the line of fire never thinking twice about the price they might pay. So that others may sleep safely in their beds at night.” Was Kristine’s answer. Then almost as one the teens said together.

“We do. So that others don’t have to. We do because we can.” Paul and Maria smiled at their granddaughters’ answer.

“Remember girls. We are the last resort when all else fails. Only then do we go in.” Maria told them. “Those names on those Walls are more than just carvings in stone. They are a solemn promise to the American citizens that we will always protect their freedoms. More importantly they are a promise to never forget. Do you understand?”

Both teens knew that the question was rhetorical and just smiled before Kasey answered. “We understand Nonnina. We’ll never forget our lesson here today.”

“Have I told you girls how proud you have made me lately?” Paul asked.

“No sir, but you don’t have to. We know. We just hope that we don’t screwup.” Kristine answered him proudly before turning sad. “We know what happens when we fail. We learned that harsh lesson already.”

“You girls did not fail. You followed procedures. Remember the difference between ‘mission accomplished’ and ‘mission success’. Sometimes we get the mission success, but more often than not all we get is mission accomplished. We always try for mission success, even if we know that we won’t achieve it. Never forget that girls.” Paul told them.

“Yes, sir.” Both girls answered together.

“One last thing girls.” Paul said as he pulled to a stop at a traffic light. Turning around slightly to face them. “Always remember the official motto of the U.S. Marshals. Justice, Integrity, Service. They are not just words but promises that you and your parents all made to the American people. You made those promises when you accepted those badges.”

“We’ll remember, Major.” Kasey answered for them. Then she gave Paul a smile saying. “Just as OUR family motto says. In our hands is Justice or Vengeance.”

“You forgot one part of that motto kiddo. Honor our fallen.” With that Paul turned back around and finished the drive to the diner. He had given the two teens a great deal to think about. The teens knew that they would remember their lessons this day. They would keep the promises they made at each monument they had visited that day. They would also keep the promises they had made when accepting the Black Badge of a U.S. Deputy Marshal.

****
I hope you have enjoyed this mini story for the Black Badges on this Day of Remembrance. May it find you all at peace with the world around you. To our fallen members of our Nations’ militaries and Law Enforcement. I say raise your glasses high. This round is on Saint Peter’s tab. Cheers!