Sunday, May 15
National Police Week officially began today with the marking of Peace Officers Memorial Day. Honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s law enforcement officers, flags at the Memorial site and throughout the country were lowered to half staff. Special events took place throughout the day at the Memorial, including the Shomrim Society Wreathlaying Ceremony and numerous ceremonies. The Memorial is now bedecked with wreaths, mementoes, and poignant memories of our fallen heroes.
At the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, during the 24th annual Peace Officers Memorial Day Services, President George W. Bush comforted survivors of the 153 officers who died in the line of duty in 2004.
The ceremony at the U.S. Capitol was followed by the annual Fraternal Order of Police/Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary Wreathlaying Ceremony at the Memorial.
Additional ceremonies take place tomorrow at the Memorial, including the ATF Memorial Service and the U.S Marshals Service Wreathlaying Ceremony. Memento collection will begin Wednesday.
Saturday, May 14
National Police Week kicked into high gear, with the arrival of the 10th Annual Law Ride, the Law Enforcement Ambassador’s Meeting, and a commemorative wreathlaying for COPS UK Founder Jim McNulty. Although the 10th Annual Emerald Society & Pipeband March and Service was shortened due to a severe storm that rolled in at 6 p.m., visitors took cover in the atrium gift shop, where they found all sorts of police week and NLEOMF memorabilia.
Candlelight Vigil 2005
Last evening at the 17th Annual Candlelight Vigil, more than 20,000 family members, law enforcement officers, and friends of law enforcement gathered at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to respect, honor, and remember the 153 law enforcement heroes who in 2004 made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as 262 additional fallen heroes whom history had until this point forgotten.
Inspired by remarks from the nation’s top law enforcement official, U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, NLEOMF Chairman Craig W. Floyd, and comforted by vocal tributes delivered by Birmingham, AL Police Chief Annetta W. Nunn and former NYPD Officer Daniel Rodriguez, attendees lit candles and gazed up at the blue laser which pierced the night sky, as if to proclaim ...
“Rest easy, America: The Thin Blue Line remains as strong, as loyal, and as dedicated as ever.”