Nation Honors Fallen Heroes on Peace Officers Memorial Day

Annual Candlelight Vigil Goes Virtual
Posted on May 15, 2020 By Mikkel Schultz, Senior Editor, Safer Buildings Coalition

On May 15th, flags are flown at half-staff across our country in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week. On this day, we honor the brave federal, state and local law officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty. The sacrifices made by these heroes will never be forgotten. 

NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS MEMORIAL
NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS MEMORIAL

Most of this year’s Police Week events have been canceled due to the pandemic lockdowns, but that has not stopped the Nation from saluting the fallen heroes.

One of the most solemn events during Police Week is the Annual Candlelight Vigil, which traditionally draws tens of thousands of people to Washington D.C. On Wednesday, May 13th, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund instead held a Virtual Candlelight Vigil to honor the 307 fallen heroes whose names were read aloud and engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, bringing the total to 22,217 officers killed in the line of duty memorialized there. People from across the world watched the event live on the internet as they paid their respects and lit virtual candles to salute the brave women and men who gave their lives to keep us safe.

“The dedicated and brave men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line for us daily. Their job is often a difficult and thankless one, but they do it with pride and honor in order to maintain public safety and hold accountable those who break the law,” Alan Perdue, retired Fire Chief and Executive Director of the Safer Buildings Coalition, said. “As we recognize and pay tribute to them on National Peace Officers Memorial Day let us not forget the many sacrifices they make for each of us. Our prayers are with each of them and their families. Thank you for all you do!”


On this day, our nation unites as we bow our heads and pay our respects.