This is National Police Week, observed since 1962 by a joint resolution of Congress, with Peace Officers Memorial Day, proclaimed by President John Kennedy that same year, observed May 15th.
National Police Week pays special recognition to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. This year it runs from May 11 to May 17.
The 34th Annual Peace Officers Memorial Candlelight Vigil was held Friday on the National Mall with moving musical tributes, a special recognition of survivors of fallen officers, and the lighting of candles in memory of the more than 22,000 officers who have died in the line of duty in all of U-S history.
New names were singled out for recognition – officers who died last year and some who died in prior years but had not yet been added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
Names on the memorial come from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, federal, corrections, railroad, and military police agencies