We remember – National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Commemorative Silver Dollar Coin

Today, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Commemorative Silver Dollar Coin remembers the dedication ceremony for the new memorial on October 15, 1991.

The dedication occurred 200 years after the first recorded law enforcement officer’s death in 1791.

Down through the years, over 20,000 law enforcement officers have given their lives in the line of duty while protecting our national values and our people.

The Memorial remembers and honors the fallen from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies from around the country.

In his dedication speech that day, President Bush said of the men and women remembered on the wall,

“They devoted themselves to the timeless values that society shares. They valued the law. They valued peace: The peace of a civilized community that protects children at play, families at home, and storekeepers at work. They valued human life so much that they were prepared to give their lives to protect it.

“They gave much and asked little. They deserve our remembrance. Here in America’s Capital, for as long as these walls stand, they will be remembered, not for the way they died, but for how they lived.

“They didn’t ask for honors, though honor them we will. We honor them with these walls, with these trees and grass, quiet pool of water.”

At the Memorial, four lion statues anchor the ends of the sloped walls.

Below each lion, a quote pays tribute to the bravery and heroism of the men and women law enforcement officers.

“It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived.” —Vivian Eney Cross, Survivor

“In valor there is hope.” —Tacitus

“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” —Proverbs 28:1

“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 H.W. Bush

Today, we remember those who serve and those who fell in the line of duty with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Commemorative Silver Dollar Coin.

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Commemorative Silver Dollar Coin