It doesn’t seem like much really to remember the past. However, in our remembering we honor the legacy of those that have come before us.
This blog is sponsored by Behind the Badge Foundation
For the town of Sultan, it is the legacy is of a man named Percy Brewster. He was the town Marshall and killed in the line of duty in 1927. At the time of his death he was only 36 years old.
The story goes like this:
Percy Brewster was the town marshal of Sultan, WA. While on patrol he noticed a vehicle parked in the alley behind the bank. Upon investigation he found a large quantity of ammunition and firearms, which he confiscated and placed in the town hall. Upon returning to impound the car he encountered the owner and when attempting to arrest him, the suspect drew a gun and shot Marshal Brewster in the lung, killing him. The suspect was apprehended, convicted, and sentenced to hang but escaped from jail after picking a lock. He was located on July 3, 1927 and shot and killed by a posse. Marshal Brewster was survived by his wife, Kate.
The tale of his heroics in the line of duty, after 88 years, are as faded as the gravestone that marks his grave.
For the caretaker of the International Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery in Monroe it has been a long dream to get a new gravestone for Percy. Her dream is now becoming a reality.
With the help of the Monroe Police Department, Percy’s gravestone will be revamped.
Why does this matter?
Gravesites are a reminder, a connection to the past. Often we don’t spend enough time remembering those that have fallen in the line of duty, we don’t pause to remember their contribution. We should.
Here are a few ways you can pause today and remember:
- Visit a graveyard and place flowers on the gravesites of those that have served.
- Visit the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial.
- Listen to the stories of others. You may know someone who has lost someone in the line of duty. Ask them to share their story and remember the legacy with them.
- Visit a museum or visitor center in your area and reflect on the history of those that have come before you.
