On May 07, 2009, a ceremony was held at the Louisiana Law Enforcement Memorial located in New Orleans, at Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery. This annual ceremony honors those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. This was the first candlelight vigil held for the services.
The Louisiana Law Enforcement Memorial was dedicated on Friday May 17, 2002, with thousands in attendance from across the state. The memorial was the dream of the late Sergeant Ron Cannatella of the New Orleans Police Department, who served for 29 years, following his father's footsteps along with his brother Deputy Chief (retired) Anthony (Tony) Cannatella.
Ron's dream became a reality after four years and numerous fund-raisers, but Ron passed away before seeing his long-time dream become a reality. His dream has brought a togetherness in the law enforcement community and gives the family members a place of peace to gather and pay respect to their loved ones and brothers and sisters.
The candlelight vigil was not the only new event held this year. There was also the unveiling of the newest additions, a life-size bronze statue of an kneeling officer alongside an eternal flame set in granite. The officer is wearing the LLEOM shield on his shoulder patch, and in honor of Ron, the officer wears a nameplate bearing the name R. CANNATELLA. Present at the unveiling was Ron's daughter, brother Chief Cannatella, who is one of the board members, and Mrs. Melanie Cannatella, Ron's wife, who serves as the Executive Director.
The 2008 Last Roll Call Reading was held while a special video presentation played, followed by a 21-gun salute, "Taps" and the playing of "Amazing Grace" on two bagpipes. Honor Guards from several law enforcement agencies were in attendance.