By Robyn Small
Like scores of organizations across the country, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum to change the way it engages with visitors.
Despite the current global health pandemic, the organization remains committed to its mission of honoring the fallen, making it safer for those who serve and educating the public about the history of American law enforcement.
As the nation’s only living national monument to the fallen and the only national law enforcement museum, it is more important than ever for both law enforcement and the public to show their support. There are many ways to remain engaged during this critical time.
Visit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, sitting on federal parkland in Washington, DC adjacent to the National Law Enforcement Museum, remains accessible to visitors. Current District of Columbia Health regulations require all people to wear a mask in public. Click here to learn more about the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
Purchase a Stand With Honor membership
One of the best ways for law enforcement officers to show support for the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is to purchase a Stand With Honor membership. Reserved exclusively for members of law enforcement and their families, a Stand With Honor membership helps preserve your story and legacy, as well as those of the nation’s more than 850,000 law enforcement officers.
Members may submit their personal stories of bravery, life on the job or what motivated them to join the law enforcement profession. These stories are shared on the Stand With Honor website and Museum kiosk for all to see and understand the commitment and dedication of law enforcement officers. Membership is available to all active and retired law enforcement officers. Family and gift memberships are also available.
Stand With Honor members enjoy a VIP experience when visiting the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum, beginning with the moment they step inside the Museum entrance where the member’s name is visible on a display screen. Stand With Honor members also receive a 10% discount on all gift shop purchases made in-store or online (discount does not apply to personalized items) and enjoy invitations to exclusive VIP events. Individual memberships begin at just $100. To learn more, visit https://www.standwithhonor.us/membership/.
Destination Zero
Law enforcement officers will also want to take advantage of the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum’s Destination Zero program.
Destination Zero is committed to reducing the number of line-of-duty officer deaths and making it safer for those who serve. The Destination Zero website houses a wealth of officer safety and wellness tips, as well as award-winning programs from around the country that help improve officer safety. Destination Zero is made possible through the generous support of Verizon. Click here to learn more about Destination Zero.
Virtual programs
While the doors to the innovative and interactive National Law Enforcement Museum are temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Museum has quickly expanded its robust calendar of virtual programs for students and adults. Many programs are free.
In addition to its mission of educating the public about the history of American law enforcement, the Museum also provides a platform for thought-provoking dialogue on current issues facing law enforcement and the communities they serve. Click here to learn more about upcoming Museum programs.
National Run for the Badge 5K
Fundraising remains a key component of the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum.
The popular National Run for the Badge 5K is a signature fundraiser for the organization, which will take place remotely in 2020. Registrants may participate from their homes, local parks or anywhere in the world while supporting the mission of the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum. Law enforcement officers, their colleagues, families and friends are encouraged to sign up, along with running enthusiasts and athletes of all abilities. Incentives and prizes are awarded to top fundraisers. Click here to learn more about and register for Run for the Badge.
There are other ways to stay engaged with the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum, too. Follow the organization’s social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Check out recent programs and videos on YouTube. Finally, visit the National Law Enforcement Memorial and the Law Enforcement Museum to sign up for emails, news and information, or to donate.
NEXT: NLEOMF panel discusses mid-year LODDs for 2020, officer safety
About the author
Robyn Small is the senior director of marketing and media relations for the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum.