Next Saturday, Be The People Project is hosting “National Tribute to Law Enforcement,” a virtual event to celebrate and honor police officers.
Civil rights activist Robert L. Woodson Sr. will serve as the keynote speaker. The event will also feature speeches from active and retired law enforcement professionals Kenneth Harms, James Smallwood, Lt. Randy Sutton, and Republican Senate candidate Bill Hagerty.
One way the event will honor law enforcement is through a token of appreciation given to some of the officers who register for the event.
“The idea for hosting a conference was inspired by a conversation I had with a colleague about the violent attacks on police officers and the need to show them how much we appreciate the tremendous job they do for us under the most trying circumstances,” stated Be The People Founding Director Dr. Carol Swain. “We are giving away over 100 $50 gift certificates to law enforcement professionals that register for this event because we want to bless as many active duty officers with funds that will allow them to have a meal or go to a movie at our expense.”
Event sponsors include The Woodson Center, The Tennessee Star, Cooper Steel, and the 917 Society.
“It breaks my heart that [police officers] are being so unjustly criticized and attacked, even by elected officials and the media; it must be terribly demoralizing,” stated event co-sponsor Lee Beaman. “I believe it’s time for the good people of this country to take a stand and defend our law enforcement to let them know we appreciate them.”
In an interview with The Star, Dr. Swain emphasized the need for people to support first responders.
“This is an important way for people to honor police officers and show their respect. One of the motivations was that the environment is so demoralizing for law enforcement. When I was running for mayor, I noticed that the past two or three mayors – at least the past three – have neglected first responders, and I felt it was endangering the public. They had severe [staffing] shortages, and I can only imagine that’s worsened, especially in today’s environment. The conference itself is a national conference and I would like to encourage people to sign up, even if they’re not in law enforcement. If you have friends and family in law enforcement, I’d encourage you to sign up, too.”
Be The People Project is a nonprofit educating individuals on America’s conservative Judeo-Christian values and principles.
“This virtual event will help teach attendees to honor the law of the land and those responsible for upholding our laws and our Constitution,” remarked event co-organizer and Executive Director of the 917 Society, Joni Bryan. “Respect of our laws and law enforcement is vital if we are to survive as a nation.”
The online event is scheduled October 17th from 10 am – 12 pm CST. Registration is open here.
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Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and the Star News Network. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to [email protected].
