By Police1 Staff
WASHINGTON — Each May, thousands of law enforcement officers, families and supporters gather in the nation’s capital to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. National Police Week, taking place from May 11 through May 17, offers a powerful lineup of commemorative events and ceremonies designed to reflect, remember and stand together in unity.
Here’s a look at the official schedule of events (all times are in EST):
Saturday, May 10:
- 9:00 a.m.: National Police Week 5K: Presented by the Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP). Registration begins at 7 a.m., with opening announcements at 8:45 a.m. The race starts at 9:00 a.m.
Sunday, May 11:
- 1:00 p.m.: National Police K-9 Memorial Service: Held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, 450 F St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Monday, May 12:
- 2:00 p.m.: Police Unity Tour Bicycle Ride-In
- 3:00 p.m.: Police Unity Tour Ceremony
Both events will take place at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
Tuesday, May 13:
- 8:00 p.m.: Annual Candlelight Vigil: Held on the National Mall (between 4th and 7th Streets and Madison and Jefferson Drives). The vigil will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.
- 11:00 a.m.: Police Week Tent City: Presented by DC FOP State Lodge, Solace Brewing Company and El Rey Navy Yard. Located at 71 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, D.C. Tent City will be open May 13–14.
Wednesday, May 14:
- 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Annual Steve Young National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Tribute: Law enforcement organizations perform ceremonial and patriotic tributes for public viewing.
- 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: C.O.P.S. National Police Survivors’ Conference Day 1 at the Washington Hilton Hotel with support sessions, mental health resources and survivor connections.
- 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Police Vehicle Display and Shine: A showcase of vintage and classic police vehicles at the U.S. Capitol Reflection Pool.
- 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: 31st Annual Pipeband Memorial March: A tribute march honoring fallen officers.
- 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.: C.O.P.S. Blue Honor Gala: A formal evening event honoring fallen officers and bringing together law enforcement, survivors and peer supporters.
Thursday, May 15:
- 12:00 p.m.: Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service: Sponsored by the Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Police and the Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary. Held on the West Front of the United States Capitol, this service honors officers who recently made the ultimate sacrifice and pays tribute to all the fallen.
- 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.: Stand Watch for the Fallen: Honor guard teams take 15-minute shifts standing watch over the Memorial Wreaths used at the Memorial Service.
Friday, May 16:
- 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: C.O.P.S. National Police Survivors’ Conference Day 2: Held at the Washington Hilton Hotel, this conference provides surviving family members and co-workers the opportunity to attend sessions specifically designed to meet their needs.
- 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: C.O.P.S. Blue Family BBQ: An event for survivors to relax, listen to music, dance and enjoy a BBQ dinner at the Washington Hilton.
Throughout the week, the National Law Enforcement Museum will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering visitors a chance to engage with exhibits that tell the story of American law enforcement. The National Law Enforcement Memorial remains open to the public 24/7, providing a space for reflection and remembrance.
