Hammond girl aims to hug police officers in all 50 states

http://www.nola.com ^ | 2/10/17 | Kara Martinez Bachman

[BBell]

In a country that often seems more divided than united, it might be the little things -- nods, smiles, hugs -- that make all the difference. For 7-year-old Hammond resident Rosalyn Baldwin, it's exactly those token actions that set a meaningful tone of healing and gratitude.

In an effort to show respect and appreciation to law enforcement professionals -- a group that's increasingly facing scrutiny and, in some quarters, outright disrespect -- young Baldwin aims to set the record straight.

Her mission? To hug an officer in every U.S. state.

She began by giving bear hugs to her local police officers a few weeks ago. She made the rounds at her first stop, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, hugging and posing for pictures with uniformed officers and other employees of the department tasked with keeping the parish safe. Shortly after, Baldwin made her way to Hinds County, Mississippi, and then on to Mobile, Alabama, where she spread joy and appreciation in yet a third state.

At some stops, officers have presented her with little gifts. She in return gives them a sticker to proudly wear: "Officially Hugged by Rosalyn."

-snip-

Why is the "hugging" mission so important?

"Because they risk their lives and want to keep us safe," Baldwin said. "So I want to do this for them."

Baldwin said her faith also guides her in this new project. She said she came up with the idea "from what the Bible says about love." Her parents embraced the idea and decided to make it happen.

"I just want to hug them, because people say mean things about them," Baldwin said. "I want to let people see there are so many good cops, and I love them for keeping us safe from bad guys."

[BBell]

Nice to see a kid who doesn't seem to be brain washed into hating cops yet. I'm sure she comes from a good family.

Seven-year-old Hammond resident Rosalyn Baldwin has her mind set on hugging police officers in every U.S. state. She began her journey of respect and appreciation by visiting the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office. Now, with three states already under her belt -- Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama -- Baldwin is setting out to dispense hugs in Florida. Once school is out for Mardi Gras break, she'll have time to visit even more southern states. (photo provided by Angie Baldwin)

She has her own little web site here with a lot of pictures of cops she hugged.

[Farmer Dean]

What a wonderful young lady she is.It would be a joy to meet her and her parents.

[lee martell]

That’s sweet, but I would try to get her used to just giving all these people a sincere handshake and a colorful little trinket or card with a poem.

[traderrob6]

Being raised correctly for a change.

[TheErnFormerlyKnownAsBig]

Whats wrong with a hug?

[Right Brother]

Bless her and her parents’ hearts. Awesome. A hug is a real human expression.

[Raymann]

When she’s older sure. Seven year old girls get a hug