A Time to Remember: National Police Week

This week marks National Police Week, a time when many events take place throughout the country honoring those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15^th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day including the week within which May 15^th falls as National Police Week.

Below are a few events taking place throughout the week. If you haven’t yet this week, make sure you thank a police officer for their dedicated service to keeping our streets safe. A police officer’s job is not an easy one and it takes a person who is strong, courageous and empathetic to take on this position. Police officers- we salute you!

Police Unity Tour Arrival Ceremony

Since 1997, the Police Unity Tour has raised nearly $16 million for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum. The ceremony will begin Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial located on the 400 block of E St., NW.

27th Annual Candlelight Vigil

According to a report by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (pdf), 126 police officers were killed in the line of duty in 2014. The annual candlelight vigil brings law enforcement officers and citizens together to remember those who died.

The vigil will be held Wednesday at 8 p.m. at the 400 block of E St., NW. It is strongly advised that attendees take the Red Line to Judiciary Square due to parking limitations. 

Or, light a virtual candle in remembrance on the NLEOMF website and watch the vigil live via webcast.

Fraternal Order of Police DC Lodge #1 Events

This two-day outdoor event, hosted by the Fraternal Order of Police District of Columbia Lodge 1, features vendors, music, entertainment, food and bar service. This year’s events will be located a few blocks from the Washington Nationals’ Park at 1880 2nd St. SW on Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

National Police Survivors Conference and C.O.P.S. Kids/Teens

Sponsored by Concerns of Police Survivors, the National Police Survivors Conference provides opportunities for family members and co-workers of fallen officers to prepare for trial, build connections, understand grief and receive support. The two-day conference will take place Thursday and Saturday at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Hotel. Call (573) 346-4911 for more information.

13th Annual Steven Young National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Competition

Honor guard teams and pipe bands from states across the country and Canada will perform their tributes to law enforcement and surviving families of fallen officers. The competition, hosted by the Fraternal Order of Police National Memorial Committee, includes a team inspection drill, color guard and exhibition phase. The event will be held at the Grant Statue (west front of the United States Capitol) on Thursday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

21st Annual Emerald Society & Pipe Band March and Service

The Emerald Society, an organization of American police officers and firefighters of Irish heritage, remembers all law enforcement officials killed in the line of duty with numerous musical tributes. The march will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday at New Jersey Avenue and F Street, NW and will proceed to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

34rd Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service

The Memorial Service will be held on the West Front of the United States Capitol. The Wreath Laying Ceremony will be held Friday at 11 a.m. immediately following the Memorial Service at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, in the 400 block of E St., NW.