Road to Hope Reception

Who: Law Enforcement United  

What: Road to Hope Reception 

When: Friday, May 13 from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. 

Where: Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Hotel  

Why: To allow Law Enforcement United riders to present the memorial flags they rode with to each 2010 surviving family.

To learn more visit http://copsroadtohope.org/.

If you are interested in supporting this worthwhile ride visit www.lawenforcementunited.org to make a donation.

The National 9/11 Flag is one of the largest American flags to fly above the wreckage at Ground Zero. Destroyed in the aftermath of the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and stitched back together seven years later by tornado survivors in Greensburg, Kansas, the National 9/11 Flag is a living testament to the resilience and compassion of the American people.

As part of the National 9/11 Flag Tour, National Police Week participants will be given the once-in-a-lifetime privilege of restoring the National 9/11 Flag back to its original format by stitching in fabric from American flags destined for retirement in all 50 states. The National 9/11 Flag will be at the Hilton Alexandria the afternoon of May 16, 2011, following the closing of the National Police Survivors' Conference from 3-7:00 p.m.

The goal is to make the National 9/11 Flag whole again by the 10th Year Anniversary of 9/11. Once fully restored, the National 9/11 Flag will become a part of the permanent collection of the National September 11 Memorial Museum being built at the World Trade Center. To learn more visit http://national911flag.org/.

Adult Children's Retreat: June 24-27, 2011

YMCA Trout Lodge, Potosi, MO

Kids Camp: July 25-31, 2011

Salvation Army Lake Camp, East Troy, WI

Registration Deadline: June 25, 2011 

Outward Bound: July 24-31, 2011

White-water rafting, Grand Junction, CO

Registration Deadline: June 24, 2011 

Fiancés/Significant Others Retreat: August 26-29, 2011

YMCA Trout Lodge, Potosi, MO

Registration Deadline: July 26, 2011 

Siblings Retreat: September 9-12, 2011

YMCA Trout Lodge, Potosi, MO

Registration Deadline: August 9, 2011 

Spouses Retreat: September 23-26, 2011

YMCA Trout Lodge, Potosi, MO

Registration Deadline: August 23, 2011 

In-Laws Retreat: October 14-17, 2011

YMCA Trout Lodge, Potosi, MO

Registration Deadline: September 14, 2011  

Parents Retreat: October 28-31, 2011

C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center, Little Rock, AR

Registration Deadline: September 28, 2011 

Affected Co-Workers Retreat: November 4-7, 2011

YMCA Trout Lodge, Potosi, MO

Registration Deadline: October 4, 2011  

I am sure many would agree that Suzie Sawyer is the "mother" of Concerns of Police Survivors. She has given a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, a warm embrace, and has put a smile on our sad faces. Suzie considers C.O.P.S. her fourth child with special needs and she has undoubtedly been the glue that holds our C.O.P.S. family together. With her upcoming retirement on May 16, 2011 and in honor of Mother's Day, the poem below describes C.O.P.S. "mom", Suzie Sawyer.

You're Like a Mother to Me

Time and again you show the way with a gentle, guiding hand  

and problems simply disappear because you understand.

You have a kind of magic touch, a wonderful, caring way.  

Your love, your warmth, your kindness, that can really make my day.

The world could use more people like you but they're so hard to find  

and that's what makes you loved so much, you're truly one of a kind.

Happy Mother's Day!   

"I wanted to say thank you for sending me the blue ribbons. I have been a police officer since 2002 and during that time I have experienced things that every cop fears. I struggle with issues related to this line of work, but I'm dedicated to help others in any way that I can. I appreciate all that your organization does for the families. God bless you and keep up the great job!"

-Missouri Police Officer