Glendale Community Pays Tribute To Fallen Officers Ramos, Liu
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Christmas provides a backdrop of prayerful reflection as the memorial to the two NYPD officers murdered last weekend continues to grow.
As CBS2's Tracee Carrasco reported, one community is taking turmoil and turning it into tribute.
A sea of blue ribbons have washed over Glendale, Queens, tied to every pole for blocks and blocks along Myrtle Avenue, leading the way to Christ Tabernacle Church where wake and funeral services will be held for Officer Rafael Ramos.
"My heart was torn into pieces, and my thoughts and prayers are with the families," said one resident.
People in the community have been tying ribbons since Monday -- a tribute to Ramos and officer Wenjian Liu, who were gunned down while sitting in their patrol car in Brooklyn on Saturday.
"As much as they hurt, we hurt with them," said another resident.
Many in the community want police to know their work is appreciated, especially now during such a difficult and tense time in New York City, Carrasco reported.
"Especially with the protests; people yelling and screaming in their faces and I wouldn't be able to do what they do, and I give them a lot of credit," another resident said.
Cardinal Dolan spoke directly of the city's divide at Midnight Mass.
"As we face tension and division in our beloved city as you and so many other leaders try your best to invite us to dialogue to listen instead of shouting to work together instead of accusing," Dolan said.
At the Bed-Stuy memorial for the officers, the same call for unity and prayers for peace were found.
There was a steady stream of visitors paying tribute at the site on Christmas Day, including some off-duty police officers.
"One of the first things I did after my kids opened their gifts, I told my wife that we'd have to come down here," said Sgt. Kevin Prentice.
As the outpouring of support for these fallen officers and the NYPD continues to grow, many hope these little gestures can help tie the city back together.
"I hope it makes them proud, I really do," said another resident said.
The family of officer Liu is still working with the NYPD to finalize his funeral arrangements.
Ramos' wake will be held Friday evening and his funeral will be held on Saturday.
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