Washington DC - Day 1 - NLEOM

One of the highlights of our time in downtown D.C. was spending time at the National Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial. The memorial is so well thought out and is just amazing. There is a reflecting pond in the middle, and then there is a medalion with the symbol of the shield and rose in a rotunda area. There are two curved walls on each side, surrounded by lush greenery and trees, where the names of those officers who have fallen on duty are carved. At each end of each wall are statues of lions and a quote. Words can't describe it - pictures do it much more justice...

The reflecting pond:
Lion statues on one end of one wall

Lions at end of benchesThe medallion with the shield and rose

Close-up of medallion

The wall and benches.

These are the quotes that are on each "cornerstone" of the walls...

"In valor there is hope." - Tacitus "The wicked flee when no man pursueth but the righteous are bold as a lion." Proverbs 28:1 And thus, the lion as a symbol of those righteous and bold law enforcement officers who go after those fleeing wicked... "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." - President George Bush

"It is not how these officers died that made them heroes it is how they lived." -Vivian Eney, Survivor

This is my favorite of the quotes. My husband lives his life and carries out the duties of his profession in a way that that is righteous and honorable. Many times we think of fallen or deceased individuals as heroic because of they way they died. Surely, those officers who have given their life to serve people like us are beyond "heroic" and chose the good and protection of others over their self-preservation. They gave selflessly. However, as "heroic" and tragic as their death is, it is nothing compared to the impact they had on a daily basis, and the selflessness they exhibit each and every time they put on their uniform and report to work. The every day actions of the officers, especially Husband, are what I admire and appreciate - it is the every day actions that make them heroic.