Veterans Day, November 11th, is nationally known or recognized as a day that we set aside to honor America’s brave men and women for their patriotism, love of their country, and their willingness to selflessly serve and sacrifice for the greater good of our country. These courageous individuals have risked their lives to ensure that every American citizen lives out the rights afforded to them.

Back in 2019, Central Neighborhood Police Officer Unit Sergeant Derrick Wright had the idea to honor our veterans in this small yet impactful manner. He worked tirelessly and stayed the course to bring this once conceptualized idea to life. When asked why this was significant to him, Sergeant Wright expressed, “This is a vision that God gave me to honor our veterans who do so much for our country.  Now I know that I could leave a mark when I leave the department and this will be my mark, my legacy.”

For the month of November, Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia has approved officers to wear the military camouflage epaulets to signify the uniformity that exists among law enforcement and the Armed Forces of the United States. Since our inception, the Dallas Police Department has had a substantial number of officers and employees that have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.  Currently, there are over 650 employees on the department who are active, reserved and retired military veterans.

Color-coded epaulets are worn on the shoulders of various police uniforms which represent the officers’ assignment. For example, patrol officers wear green epaulets and traffic officers wear red epaulets. However, this November, officers have the option to wear military camouflage epaulets to show their solidarity with our veterans.

This will mark the first year Dallas officers will wear military camouflage epaulets during the month of November, with hopes of making this an annual event.

To our veterans, we salute you all, in the words of Lee Greenwood’s God Bless The USA, “And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today ’cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA”

GOD BLESS OUR VETERANS AND OUR DALLAS POLICE OFFICERS!