The sounds of a busy city seemed to have been silenced when a bell started to troll at exactly 9:00 o'clock Thursday morning, May 19th. It was Rutherford County's "Peace Officers Memorial Day Ceremony" on the Civic Plaza in front of the Murfreesboro City Hall.

Under sunny skies and 65 degree temps, a large crowd gathered to say "thank you" as well as "pay respect to those who have made the supreme sacrifice for this community. Nine officers are in that category.

• Trooper William H. James, Tennessee Highway Patrol, September 14, 1942
• Officer Herbert McClanahan, Murfreesboro Police Department, December 16, 1946
• Deputy Marshal Sam Vaughn, US Marshall Service, August 8, 1953
• Trooper Lewis R. Hendon, Tennessee Highway Patrol, June 15, 1957
• Officer Joseph "Butch" Tomlinson Jr., Murfreesboro Police Department, October 28, 1999
• Officer Kay Rogers, Murfreesboro Police Department, November 9, 2005
• Captain Byron Motley, Murfreesboro Police Department, July 22, 2006
• Officer Matt Lovejoy, Murfreesboro Police Department, June 22, 2007
• Trooper Andy Wall, Tennessee Highway Patrol, May 7, 2011

State Senator Jim Tracy gave a moving talk on honoring the Brotherhood In Blue, and how they put their lives on the line every day for the safety of your family and others in this community.

The event concluded as a wreath was slowly marched forward to the rifle, boot and cap, representing the brave officers. Then an Honor Guard representing all departments gave a 21-gun salute. The ceremony ended with the playing of TAPS.

Most people don't realize it, but the first National Peace Officers Memorial Day Service was held May 15, 1982 in Washington, DC. In 1994 the 103rd Congress amended the law, directing that Old Glory be flown at half-staff to honor the officers.

A special thank you to the US Marshall's Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Rutherford County Sheriffs Office, as well as the police departments at Eagleville, La Vergne, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Smyrna and Veterans Administration for being a part of the Peace Officers Memorial Day service.

If you did not hear the "live" broadcast of this event over WGNS, CLICK BELOW for a podcast of the service at the Murfreesboro Civic Plaza.