Under a warm sky that basked City Hall and its front lawn, the city of Kissimmee held its annual Employee Memorial Service Friday morning to remember those employees that have passed, including line of duty deaths, and honor those who have retired.
The City of Kissimmee, Toho Water Authority, and Kissimmee Utility Authority joined in the service, which centers around a permanent monument on the grounds of City Hall which helps the community remember the legacy of those employees.
In the last year, 19 employees retired, including three from Toho Water and two from KUA.
Part of the annual tradition is to place roses at the base of the monument in honor of those who passed away while serving the city or its utilities, or those retirees who passed away in the last year. The fallen’s former co-workers or family members traditionally place the roses — roses being used as being one of few flowers that can be preserved for a lifetime with the correct methods.
“I like to think of this event as a celebration of lives spent in service, in service to others and to our entire community.” emcee Justin Hetu of the City of Kissimmee said. “The people on this list were improving the community around them on a daily basis. So while it’s understandable to be sad, I urge you to not forget all the good they accomplished and lives they touched.”
A poem, “Farewell My Friends” by Rabindranath Tagore, written from the perspective of the departed, was read. It included these passages:
“It was beautiful, as long as it lasted, the journey of my life. I have no regrets whatsoever, save the pain I’ll leave behind;
A smile, in spite of a lump in the throat, the strings pulling at the heart and soul … at every turning in my life, I came across good friends, who stood by me even as time raced by. Farewell my friends, I smile and bid you goodbye. Shed no tears, for I need them not. All I need is your smile …”
Keynote speaker Tiffany Henderson represented KUA, and spoke of how former employees still shape how the city serves its residents.
“On your first day, maybe this person showed you the ropes, and made it their mission to ensure you succeeded, allowing our current work force to continue doing the great work of those who came before us,” she said. “The tireless work of these public servants is felt exponentially throughout our community that continues to grow and thrive thanks to their hard work.”
