Copyright © A Hero's Tribute.Org. - All Rights Reserved - 2004-2007
Memorials
Military
Partners
Dear Visitor,
I would like to personally thank you for visiting A Hero's Tribute.
It was during the summer of 2004 when we were suffering a lot of casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan that I decided to create a memorial website in remembrance of our Country's Fallen Heroes.
I was working on an educational non-profit and went back to school and graduated with an AS Degree in web design and computer graphics so I could build a website for this organization. I tried to do both, however, I realized that I needed to work one, so I chose to focus on the memorials and made a commitment to do the best that I could do in paying tribute to these heroes.
I wanted to honor the memory of all branches of the military, as well as, law enforcement officers and firefighters. I grew up my whole life being a cops daughter. My dad was actually in the Florida Highway Patrol Academy when I was born in 1957. He was always gone, serving the public, and, making a difference in our community.
He was elected Sheriff in Seminole County in 1969 and served there until 1991 when he had to retire due to a terminal illness. He died June 21, 1991. He had a very large funeral. I remember like it was yesterday driving behind the hearse as we made our way to the cemetery. We wanted to take my dad by the Sheriff's Office where he worked for so many years. Then we drove him by the jail that he had raised funds to build. We drove him to the to his final resting place and what meant so much on his last journey were all the people lined up up in the streets saluting and paying tribute to my my dad.
I have made every effort to have the utmost respect to each fallen hero and their family with each memorial I create. When I create a memorial I always research and read about that hero's life and then I design the memorial specifically for that hero. The only time you will see the same background in a memorial is when two or more heroes have died together. There will never be a "factory assembly" creation of a memorial. Memorials are custom made for that hero and their family.
May God Bless each of you who are missing a loved one. I pray that He will keep you in His grace and hold you tightly when you need a hug.
Cheryl Polk / Founder
My Dad as an FHP trooper
His employees at the Sheriff's Office and the jail were standing at attention when we passed. Flags through out the county were flown at half mass. When we arrived at the cemetery police officers from the area were standing at attention in several rows. I think the one thing that has stuck with me all these years is when they played taps and the Sheriff's Office Dispatcher announced that Seminole 17-1 was 10-7.
I never knew just how respected my dad was in the law enforcement community. Most public figures are paid tribute to posthumously. They honored my dad before he died which meant the world to him. When he was hospitalized close to the end of his life, Two Sheriff's from the state came down to the hospital and told him that they were naming the Florida Sheriff's Association Building in Tallahassee "The John E. Polk Sheriff's Center" in honor of all he had done.
My family and I had the support that we needed to get through the weeks and months after my dad's passing. Being in public service whether it is in Law Enforcement, Fire Services or Military, families who have lost a loved one have their extended family there to support them.
After life has settled and families must go on with life without their loved one, I hope that A Hero's Tribute will be a place where they can come to feel a little closer to the lost loved one.
My dad didn't die in the line of duty, however, any loved one "especially those that gave their lives defending and protecting each of us, needs to always be remembered in each of our hearts.
Each memorial has music that will need to be download before viewing .
Once downloaded future visits will load immediately. I believe with all my heart that the music helps along with the graphics to give each memorial such special meaning.
site is best viewed at 1440 x 900 pixels
