Attorney General Sessions to deliver special remarks as 360 names are dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial; event to be streamed live online
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The names of 360 U.S. law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty will be formally dedicated on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the 30th Annual Candlelight Vigil held on the National Mall between 4th and 7th streets in Washington, DC, at 8:00 pm on May 13, 2018.
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen will deliver special remarks and lead in candle lighting and reading the names of the fallen officers. The names of 360 officers added to the Memorial this year include 129 who made the ultimate sacrifice during 2017, in addition to 231 officers who died earlier in history but whose sacrifice had not been previously documented.
With these additions, there are 21,541 officers’ names engraved on the Memorial, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, federal law enforcement, and military police agencies.
WHAT: | 30th Annual Candlelight Vigil |
WHEN: | Sunday, May 13, 2018—8:00 pm EDT |
WHERE: | National Mall |
WHO: | Jeff Sessions Kirstjen Nielsen Cheryl Schultz John Ashcroft Craig W. Floyd |
Each May 13, an estimated 20,000 people assemble for the Candlelight Vigil, a signature event of National Police Week. For the tenth year, the ceremony will be streamed live over the Internet so that everyone can witness this annual tribute to America’s law enforcement officers. Individuals interested in the free webcast can register online at www.UnitedByLight.org.
“The annual Candlelight Vigil allows participants and guests to be surrounded by the strength and support of the law enforcement community, as we honor the officers who sacrificed their lives for the protection of ours,” said Craig W. Floyd, Chief Executive Officer of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “By attending the ceremony in person or by viewing it on line, Americans can show their appreciation for the officers who serve and protect their communities.”
The names of the 360 officers added to the National Memorial this year can be found at www.LawMemorial.org/2018RollCall. For a complete schedule of National Police Week events in Washington, DC, visit www.LawMemorial.org/PoliceWeek.
About the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a private non-profit organization dedicated to telling the story of American law enforcement and making it safer for those who serve. The Memorial Fund maintains the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, which contains the names of 21,541 officers who have died in the line of duty throughout U.S. history. The Memorial Fund is now building the new National Law Enforcement Museum, which will tell the story of American law enforcement by providing visitors a “walk in the shoes” experience. The Museum is working to expand and enrich the relationship shared by law enforcement and the community through the Museum’s educational journeys, immersive exhibitions, and insightful programs. For more information, visit www.LawMemorial.org.