National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, Washington

While often overlooked due to being in the midst of memorials such as the Lincoln or Washington or Vietnam. This is a moving memorial to the men and women who wage war aginst crime everyday since the inception of this profession.

We learned about this memorial after a police officer from our area was killed in the line of duty. We took an 8th grade class there and spent time talking about the officer and what this memorial was all about. It became an annual stop on our annual 8th grade trip. Unfortunately, the trip was stopped after 2000. But, we will be there with another couple soon and will visit. The memorial is well-designed. It's proximity to the National Building Museum makes it easy to bring first-time visitors. Note: The last time I visited was in 2000, not 2002 (the options don't go back further than that).

It is with sadness that I will once again visit this memorial. I will look for my brothers name as so many do, and will remember his time. He went to work each day knowing that the possibility was there. These oficers lived and died so we can enjoy life. This memorial is a great tribute to these men. NH State Police

everything from the way its built and arranged to the people of Washington state and Virginia is perfect.The citizens there made my family feel so welcome,and my husband's name is in a honorable place..

There are few places that you can go to that will fill you with saddness, hope and pride all at once. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is such a place. As you go around the walkways and look at the names carved into the walls, you will get a sense of this hallowed place is all about. Honoring the men and women of our Nation's Law Enforcement Community who gave their lives so that you and I can be safe in our homes and on our streets. Each year in the middle of May, hundreds on new names are added to this Place of Valor. Sadly, it is usually only their families and fellow officers who ever remember these heroes. Take the time to read the names, and realize how many there are, and then the next time you see a Police Officer or Sheriff in your community, stop him or her and thank them. The National Law Enforcement Memorial Day is celebrated each year om May 15th. Police Officer Phil Bowdren (Retired) Philadelphia Police Department