Texas News

Remembering July 7: Voices From Dallas' Tribute To Its Fallen Officers

KERA | By Stella M. Chávez

Published July 8, 2017 at 5:53 PM CDT

Sgt. Leticia Corral has been with the Dallas Police Department 33 years. "It's been sad. I'll just leave it at that," she says about what this past year has been like for her.

Outside Dallas City Hall Friday evening, people gathered to listen to music, hear speakers, and later that night, hold up blue lights in the darkness as part of the city's central tribute to the July 7 anniversary.

Throughout the week, various community events were held to commemorate the lives of five police officers killed by a gunman last summer as a peaceful protest concluded in downtown Dallas.

Here’s what some of those who attended Tribute 7/7 had to say about the ambush, the officers and the anniversary.

Dallas Police Sgt. Leticia Corral

"It was an attack on law enforcement. We just never want to forget."

Sergeant Leticia Corral has been with the Dallas Police Department 33 years.

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Dallas Police Sgt. Leticia Corral

Jesse Rodriguez

"He'd give the shirt off his back and help anybody out."

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Jesse Rodriguez talks about his best friend, Patrick Zamarripa.

Don Harris

"Our band played for each one of those funerals."

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Audio of Don Harris

Rev. Michael Waters

"There is no greater honor that we can bestow upon all of these who have crossed over to the other side than to resolve the tensions and divisions that continue to plague us throughout our society."