A Little Boy Shows A Sense Of Duty To His Father Like Nothing You've Ever Seen

by N/A, 8 years ago | 2 min read

This 4-year-old's tribute to his father–an NYPD detective and soldier–is simultaneously devastating and heartwarming.

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At his father's funeral, this 4-year-old boy gave a touching sendoff.

He said goodbye to his father in one of the most mature and emotionally striking ways possible: with a salute.

This is Joseph Lemm. He was a detective with the NYPD.

Being a police officer takes a lot of courage no matter where you are. But there's something special about NYPD detectives. They've seen it all and put their lives on the line every day in the largest city in the US.

Lemm was also a Technical Sergeant in the Air National Guard.

Being either a cop or a soldier is enough to make you a hero, and this guy was both. That's impressive.

While on his 3rd deployment, Lemm was patrolling in Afghanistan with 5 other reservists. They were attacked by a suicide bomber, and Lemm was killed.

Tragically, Lemm paid the greatest sacrifice for defending freedom.

Lemm's funeral was held at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan.

5th avenue was shut down for the respectful display to honor the dead soldier and police hero of New York.

New York's finest gathered along 5th avenue to observe and show esteem for Lemm.

There were uniformed officers as far as the eye could see. And Lemm most certainly deserved the respect that was paid to him.

The greatest display of reverence, however, was given by Lemm's 4-year-old son, Ryan.

Ryan thought of his father as a superhero, and rightfully so. Many little boys dream of having a father who's either a soldier or a cop. To have a father who's both is an incredible thing.

As Ryan watched his father's coffin, draped in an American flag, carried down the steps of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Ryan held a salute.

It was his way of saying goodbye to the honorable man who'd impacted him most throughout his young life.

That's quite a display coming from such a young man. He no doubt has a difficult future ahead of him, but if he continues to live by the values his father instilled, he will grow into a good, hardworking, and kind young man.

In the words of William Bratton, commissioner of the NYPD: "Today we say farewell to a hero of our time and a hero for all ages. A patriot, who centered his life on protecting others.