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The Illinois state delegation that included Lodge 7 members attending one of the conference sessions.
ovation for his partnership with the FOP to pass HR 218, the bill that exempts law enforcement from the federal prohibi- tions to carry concealed weapons.
Cox then shared the story of New York Police Department Officer Walter Weaver as a tribute to how the NRA and law enforcement stand together to secure freedom. Weaver re- sponded to the attacks on 9/11 at the World Trade Center, and all that was found of his presence in the aftermath was the frame of his burned-out revolver. Weaver’s family sent that frame to the NRA, where it is on permanent display in its Washington, D.C. museum.
“This is a reminder of what freedom is all about and sac- rifice is all about,” Cox preached. “This gun will stay on dis- play to show that we support you, and we know you support
Lodge 7 President Kevin Graham congratulates National President Chuck Canterbury after he addressed lodge members during one of their caucus- es.
freedom.”
When the tears dried and the applause died down, the
opening ceremony made a palpable impression. Gahagan, who took mandatory retirement in 2013, has been to six of these conferences and saw the needed impact this confer- ence made from the get-go.
“It struck a good chord,” Gahagan noted. “The National FOP has our back, and that’s very important. That’s what our officers need to hear.”
Behind the scenes, many of the FOP lodges held caucuses. Lodge 7 members participated in the Illinois Lodge caucus as well as their own, where business was conducted and those running for National FOP offices popped in to campaign and
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