Near Washington, D.C.’s national mall, where tours are dedicated to the history and facts surrounding some of our nation’s most iconic landmarks, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is just a couple blocks away.
Located on the 400 block of E Street, the oval-shaped law enforcement memorial can also be reached by the Red Line Metro stop at Judiciary Square.
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The monument shows two lions protecting their cubs as a representation of police being enforcers of the law and keepers of peace.
Here are four facts about the
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial:
1. How many names have been carved into the memorial?
The monument's walls feature the names of more than 20,000 officers. That's more than six times the number of names inscribed on New York City's 9/11 memorial.
2. Are names ever added?
Each May, the names of law enforcement officers who fell while on duty are added to the memorial. The engraving is part of a larger service that takes place the evening of May 13, during
National Police Week, which draws a crowd of around 25,000 people. People from all around the country attend the event to pay respect to the newly added names on the monument.
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3. How far back do the names of the lost officers go?
The names of the officers span all the way back to the first known U.S. police casualty in 1791. However, the monument was officially dedicated in 1991.
4. Is there a museum?
Two blocks from the memorial, tourists can go to the visitors' center at 605 E Street. The visitors' center features an exhibit showcasing artifacts from the 9/11 terrorist attacks, along with a gift shop. The National Law Enforcement Museum, which will open in fall of 2015, will be another law enforcement attraction that will add to the experience for visitors of the monument.
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