Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

History

In 1962 President John F. Kennedy issued a declaration for Peace Officers Memorial Day to be observed annually on May 15^th, and the week of the 15^th would be recognized as National Police Week. It pays tribute to the local, state, and federal peace officers who have died or disabled in the line of duty. President Bill Clinton would later make an amendment through Public Law 103-322 that directed the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff to honor the day of May 15^th. The event is sponsored by the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and it is implemented by the FOP Memorial Committee. The day honors fallen Officers across the nation and offers support to their surviving family members and officers.

How to Observe the Holiday

There are many ways organizations, private citizens, and government agencies can observe the holiday. The most common way is flying American flags at half-staff in memory of fallen officers. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial wall in Washington, D.C. features the names of more than 22,000 law enforcement officers (LEO) who have fallen in the line of duty.  Other events during National Police Week include an annual Blue Mass, Candlelight Vigil, Wreath Laying Ceremony, National Police Survivors Conference, Honor Guar Competition, and the Emerald Society & Pipe March Band and Service. The events normally draw in about 25,000 to 4,000 LEOs, their families, and other visitors. If you are posting on social media, please use: #PeaceOfficersMemorialDay.

Don’t forget to celebrate and thank your local Police Officers! SERVPRO® of Augusta South / Wilkes & Burke Counties wants to recognize these everyday heroes – thank you for your service!