“Carved on these walls is the story of America, of a continuing quest to preserve both democracy and decency, and to protect a national treasure that we call the American dream.” -George H.W. Bush
During National Police Week 2018, our National Police Support Fund team had the honor of visiting the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC.
It was somber in the memorial as people walked slowly past the lines of more than 21,000 names that fill the walls. Every name is of a fallen hero, a visual reminder of every single man and woman that have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. A place for fellow officers and loved ones to reflect, honor, and remember fallen heroes.
There was no greater honor than to share this space with those that have had to make their own ultimate sacrifice. The friends and family members that knew their loved ones were risking it all to keep their communities safe. Those that had their worst fears realized with a phone call. We had no words that could mend their hearts or express our gratitude. But here, in the Memorial, they had a place filled with community, shared experiences, and support.
According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, almost a quarter of a million people visit this national memorial every year. During National Police Week, we saw fellow officers, friends, parents, spouses and children visiting the names of their loved ones.
The heartbreaking truth of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is that this is the only memorial in Washington, D.C. that continues to keep growing. Every year, names of the recently fallen are added to the wall. Just in the first half of 2018, 53 law enforcement officers have lost their lives in the line of duty.*
The National Law Enforcement Museum, located across the street from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, will be opening in Fall 2018. The museum is a project of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
For more information about the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, Memorial Fund, and Museum, click here.