 Senior Member
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Midlands, UK
Posts: 720
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A tree for Gavin
I planted a tree today. A tree for you, Gavin. A tree for a hero.
I didn't know this morning that I would be planting the tree. In the same way you didn't know you were going to be a hero. Twenty years ago today you were just another police officer, responding to just another call. An armed robbery at Midland Bank in Tile Hill. Twenty years ago today, Gavin, you were probably wondering what you were going to be doing for Christmas. Who was going to get you more socks. Or a scarf. You certainly didn't intend to be a hero.
Until today I didn't know you, Gavin. In the same way you didn't know your killer. Until he fired at point blank range, he was just another person. You were just another police officer.
I'm sorry, but it wasn't a heroic death. But you are still a hero. You knew the risks, and chose to do the job. Whether you like it or not, whilst it wasn't a heroic death it was the death of a hero.
Every year you are remembered by your colleagues. This year, 20 years on, I planted a treee. Your mother put soil on the tree. She still remembers you, and loves you. Your colleagues spoke fondly of you. They remember you. Even those who didn't know you remember you. You are respected.
So...I planted a tree today. A flowering cherry. In memory of a hero I never met, and will never meet. And I am sad. And proud.
Rest in Peace, PC Gavin Carlton. Aged 29. Know that you are remembered with pride and respect. And thank you for the honour of planting a tree. And for making my day a little richer.
I didn't know this morning that I would be planting the tree. In the same way you didn't know you were going to be a hero. Twenty years ago today you were just another police officer, responding to just another call. An armed robbery at Midland Bank in Tile Hill. Twenty years ago today, Gavin, you were probably wondering what you were going to be doing for Christmas. Who was going to get you more socks. Or a scarf. You certainly didn't intend to be a hero.
Until today I didn't know you, Gavin. In the same way you didn't know your killer. Until he fired at point blank range, he was just another person. You were just another police officer.
I'm sorry, but it wasn't a heroic death. But you are still a hero. You knew the risks, and chose to do the job. Whether you like it or not, whilst it wasn't a heroic death it was the death of a hero.
Every year you are remembered by your colleagues. This year, 20 years on, I planted a treee. Your mother put soil on the tree. She still remembers you, and loves you. Your colleagues spoke fondly of you. They remember you. Even those who didn't know you remember you. You are respected.
So...I planted a tree today. A flowering cherry. In memory of a hero I never met, and will never meet. And I am sad. And proud.
Rest in Peace, PC Gavin Carlton. Aged 29. Know that you are remembered with pride and respect. And thank you for the honour of planting a tree. And for making my day a little richer.
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 Admin Team
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: South Wales, UK
Posts: 15,385
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Nice tribute Gaz.
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 1,737
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 Senior Member
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Lincolnshire UK
Posts: 2,714
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The tree is a lovely way to remember someone but your words are really heartfelt and moving.
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Join Date: Sep 2007
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What a lovely thing to do for a colleague.
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Dundee, Scotland
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Fantastic idea, well done.
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