Thousands Honor Officers Fallen In Line Of Duty

Each year, thousands of law enforcement officers from all over the country descend upon Washington, D.C. to take part the activities of National Police Week. These events serve to honor fallen fellow officers, whose lives were taken in the line of duty.

The names of known fallen officers are memorialized on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall. Currently, over 19,000 names are carved upon the two marble walls, and each year new names of fallen officers are added during National Police Week.

AMW and John Walsh paid a visit to the National Police Memorial this week, and spoke with Craig Floyd, an old friend of John's. As the Chairman and CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Craig's tireless efforts lead to the construction of the National Police Memorial 20 years ago, as well as the future memorial museum on which construction has already begun.

As Craig states, "This memorial will always be the focal point of honoring the service and sacrifice to American law enforcement. But so many visitors don't know the stories." The museum will offer an expanded and inspirational experience to the existing memorial.

"They are great stories," adds John, "they are stories of heroism, they are stories of split second decisions that save lives."

Just five months in, 2011 is already proving to be one of the deadliest years on record for law enforcement. A tragic reminder of the importance of such a memorial in order to honor the service of those who've made the ultimate sacrifice.