“It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived.” —Vivian Eney Cross
Every year in the middle of May, the city of Washington DC becomes awash in blue. Tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from across the globe descend upon the US capital for National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and National Police Week. They come to pay tribute to their brothers and sisters in blue who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect their fellow citizens. Although established in 1962 by US President John F. Kennedy and the Congress, the annual memorial week draws not only American peace officers, but law enforcement officials from departments throughout the world.
Throughout the week, law enforcement organizations conduct various events honoring peace officers. A candlelight vigil is held at the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial, which bears the names of fallen officers — which unfortunately grows longer every single year. A Pipe Band March, an Honor Guard Competition, receptions, and many more. The pinnacle of the week is the National Peace Officer’s Memorial Service, held on the day of May 15. “Every year, the FOP and its extended law enforcement family come together on this day at this place to remember, to reflect, and to honor the loved ones we have lost. In sharing our grief, we find the strength to renew our commitment to serve and protect our families, our communities, and our nation,” says Chuck Canterbury, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police.
The service itself is heart-wrenching and awe-inspiring, both moving and galvanizing. In addition to comments from law enforcement leaders and dignitaries – which have included the Attorney General and the President of the United States – the names of each police officer killed in the line of duty that year are read. The families of the fallen officers place flowers on a memorial wreath, which is later taken to the site of the Memorial. As you can imagine, looking into the brokenhearted faces of the survivors as they hear the name of their lost spouse, sibling, mother, or father is almost unbearable. Almost – but it’s not. Because through the tears, alongside the pain, something else is evident — strength. It takes a particular fortitude to love a police officer; and that tenacity and dignity remain in the spirit of the survivor.
This May, they will come to raise a glass to their fallen brethren. They will come to honor the bravery behind the badge. They will come to meet others who live in another city, state or even country but with whom they still share a common bond. They will come to recognize the sacrifice they all make every day, to protect and serve their communities.
National Police Week 2012 will be May 13-19th. For more information, check out:
National Police Week – www.policeweek.org
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial – www.nleomf.org
National Fraternal Order of Police – www.fop.net
Concerns of Police Survivors – www.nationalcops.org
International Council of Police Representative Associations – www.icpra.org
