Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week in the United States serve as a tribute to local, state, and federal peace officers who have either lost their lives or been disabled in the line of duty. This observance takes place annually on May 15th. The National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) sponsors the event, with its execution carried out by the FOP Memorial Committee.

History and Establishment

• Origins: Peace Officers Memorial Day was established as part of National Police Week by President John F. Kennedy when he signed Public Law 87-726 on October 1, 1962. This law designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week.

• Purpose: The day serves to remember and honor the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. It also recognizes the service and courage of all peace officers who protect communities across the nation, often at great personal risk.

• First Observance: Peace Officers Memorial Day was first observed on May 15, 1963, following the signing of the law the previous year. Since then, the day has been marked annually.

National Police Week

• When: National Police Week is observed during the week in which May 15 falls, often including multiple ceremonies and events to honor law enforcement personnel.

• Purpose: The week not only honors those who have died in the line of duty but also recognizes the ongoing work of law enforcement officers across the country. National Police Week brings officers and their families together from all over the U.S. to pay tribute and to offer support to the families of fallen officers.

Observances and Traditions

1. Flag at Half-Staff: As per a presidential proclamation, flags are flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor the fallen officers.

2. Candlelight Vigil: One of the most poignant events during National Police Week is the Candlelight Vigil, held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. Thousands gather to light candles in remembrance of officers who have died in the line of duty. The names of fallen officers are also engraved on the memorial.

3. Memorial Services: Across the country, law enforcement agencies hold memorial services, wreath-laying ceremonies, and moments of silence to honor fallen peace officers. These events are typically attended by law enforcement personnel, government officials, and the families of those who have lost their lives.

4. Blue Ribbons: Many people wear blue ribbons or display them on their vehicles as a symbol of support for law enforcement and remembrance of those who have died.

5. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF): The NLEOMF plays a significant role in organizing the memorial events, especially the Candlelight Vigil. The fund maintains a national memorial dedicated to law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

Presidential Proclamations

Each year, the President of the United States issues a proclamation to commemorate Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week. The proclamation highlights the sacrifices of fallen officers and calls on the nation to honor their legacy and the ongoing service of current law enforcement personnel.

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

• Location: The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is located in Washington, D.C., and was dedicated in 1991. It bears the names of more than 22,000 officers who have been killed in the line of duty throughout U.S. history.

• Purpose: The memorial serves as a permanent reminder of the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers. Each year, new names are added to the memorial as officers lose their lives while protecting the public.

Importance of Peace Officers Memorial Day

1. Recognition of Sacrifice: The day underscores the dangers that peace officers face every day while performing their duties. It recognizes that law enforcement officers often put themselves in harm’s way to protect their communities.

2. Support for Families: The families of fallen officers often bear the emotional and financial burdens of their loss. Peace Officers Memorial Day provides an opportunity for the nation to show its support and solidarity with these families.

3. Public Awareness: Peace Officers Memorial Day raises public awareness about the contributions and challenges of law enforcement. It reminds the public of the risks officers take in maintaining public safety and the rule of law.

4. Tribute to Heroism: It is a day to reflect on the heroism of peace officers, both those who have given their lives and those who continue to serve. It honors the bravery, dedication, and professionalism that peace officers bring to their work.

Proclamation 2024

In 2024, as in previous years, the President is expected to issue a proclamation calling for the observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day. The proclamation typically emphasizes:

• The sacrifice of officers who have died in the line of duty.
• The importance of law enforcement in maintaining public order.
• A call for flags to be flown at half-staff on May 15.

How You Can Observe Peace Officers Memorial Day

1. Participate in Memorial Services: Attend local or national memorial services to honor fallen officers. These events are open to the public and offer an opportunity to pay respects to those who have died in the line of duty.

2. Support Law Enforcement Officers: Show appreciation to local law enforcement officers by sending a note of thanks or participating in community events that recognize their service.

3. Observe the Half-Staff Flag Tradition: On May 15, ensure that the U.S. flag at your home or business is flown at half-staff as a sign of respect for fallen peace officers.

4. Watch the Candlelight Vigil: If you can’t attend in person, the National Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C., is often streamed online, allowing people nationwide to participate in the event virtually.

5. Share on Social Media: Use social media to raise awareness of Peace Officers Memorial Day by posting tributes or sharing information about fallen officers. Use hashtags like #PeaceOfficersMemorialDay or #PoliceWeek.

Conclusion

Peace Officers Memorial Day is a day of deep reflection and gratitude for those who have lost their lives serving their communities as law enforcement officers. It serves as a reminder of the risks that peace officers face daily and the importance of their role in maintaining peace and order. It is also an opportunity for the public to show appreciation for the ongoing work of all law enforcement personnel, as well as to support the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.