To honor those who serve as law enforcement officers, congress created the Peace Officer Memorial Day in 1961. President John F. Kennedy signed the bill into law and he designated May 15th as Peace Officer Memorial Day, and the week in which it falls in as National Police Week. In 1994, President Bill Clinton directed the American flag to be flown at half-staff on May 15th.
The actual memorial service started in 1982, where people gathered in the Senate Park. It started with about 120 survivors and law enforcement supporters. Today, National Police Week draws in between 25,000 to 40,000 attendees from departments throughout the United States as well as from international agencies.
The National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service is sponsored by the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, in which they host a series of events throughout the week. The events include a candlelight vigil and various seminars that are open to all law enforcement personnel.
Although this is a quite somber week, the law enforcement profession would be remiss not to remember, recognize, and appreciate those men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Thank you to all the men and women in blue who provide a cover of protection to all the communities across this great nation.
The Dallas Police Department Police Memorial Day Service was held on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 12:00 noon in front of the Police Memorial Wall located across from City Hall.
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