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Memorial Day: Fallen officer's parents speak at Wisconsin Memorial Park
Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield invited the community on Monday, May 29 to honor those who lost their lives as members of the United States armed forces.
BROOKFIELD, Wis. - Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield invited the community on Monday, May 29 to honor those who lost their lives as members of the United States armed forces. Among the hundreds of people who attended was the family of a Milwaukee Police Department officer killed in the line of duty.
Chapters of books that went unwritten, lives cut short, the light of service members' lives extinguished. Memorial Day is for reflection, remembrance.
"We come together today to honor those who would not, or could not, honor themselves," said Doug Jerving, father of MPD Officer Peter Jerving.
Wisconsin Memorial Park, Brookfield
Doug and Patty Jerving would often come to Wisconsin Memorial Park for ceremonies like this one.
"From ancient to modern wars – to save our souls and our way of life – we honor them," Jerving said.
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They now visit, not because of a fallen armed services member, but for their son, Peter.
"We were very honored, and asked to speak here," said Patty Jerving, Peter's mother.
Patty Jerving
Milwaukee Police Officer Peter Jerving died in the line of duty in February. He is now buried at Wisconsin Memorial Park.
The Jervings served as keynote speakers on Monday. With family in support, they spoke to the pain of loss, and that those who died for the country should be remembered for their sacrifice.
"We just want to honor those who gave their lives, so that we could be free. So that we could live free," Patty Jerving said.
The Jervings say they were honored to be asked to take part in the ceremony – at a place that now holds more meaning for them.
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"The only thing we can do is come here and put flags, and flowers down; and say thank you. Hopefully, in heaven, they can hear that," Patty Jerving said.
A small token for the sacrifices given.
Wisconsin Memorial Park, Brookfield
Hundreds of flags are staked in and around Wisconsin Memorial Park. The park's president said at one time, there were 1,500 flags put out for Memorial Day. It is a trend he hopes to continue and grow in the coming years.