Approximately 300 youth and 30 teen leaders from Henrico Police Athletic League traveled to Washington, D.C. June 28 for a day trip planned and coordinated by HPAL board member Raiford Beasley and led by Sgt. Kenny Ragland.

At their first stop, the group attended a half-hour memorial service for fallen Henrico County police officers at the National Police Memorial. Sue and Richard Cheney presented a floral wreath at the memorial in honor of their daughter, Virginia State Trooper Jessica J. Cheney of Henrico, who was killed in the line of duty. Beasley also read the name of Henrico officers who died in the line of duty, and Sgt. J.A. Livingstone played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes to close the service.

Following the tribute, the campers enjoyed a picnic lunch in the shade of the trees on the Mall lawn and proceeded to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, where they admired King's statue and gathered for group photos.

The campers concluded their trip with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where HPAL board member Don Blake remarked that "the enormity of sacrifice of our military was evident, and absorbed in solemn and respectful observation."

Blake, who accompanied the group to record the day's activities with video and photographs, observed that all the campers clearly enjoyed the trip – despite the hot weather.

"It was another great day of HPAL youth making memories," said Blake.