What is peace officers memorial day?
Share
Sign Up to our social questions and Answers Engine to ask questions, answer peopleβs questions, and connect with other people.
Login to our social questions & Answers Engine to ask questions answer peopleβs questions & connect with other people.
Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.
Please briefly explain why you feel this question should be reported.
Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported.
Please briefly explain why you feel this user should be reported.
Date: May 15
Location: Nationwide (USA)
Honoring Our Heroes
Peace Officers Memorial Day is observed annually on May 15 to honor federal, state, and local law enforcement officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty. It is held during Police Week, a time of remembrance and support.
What Happens on This Day?
πΉ Memorial Ceremonies β Police departments and communities gather to pay tribute.
πΉ Flags at Half-Staff β Government buildings across the U.S. lower the flag in solemn remembrance.
πΉ Wreath Laying β A national memorial service takes place in Washington, D.C., with a wreath at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
πΉ Community Support β Survivors, families, and supporters join in reflection and remembrance.
Fast Facts
Not a public holiday β Normal business hours remain.
Established: 1962 by President John F. Kennedy
Organized by: The Fraternal Order of Police
Observed with: Ceremonies, tributes, and moments of silence
Let us never forget the brave men and women who gave their all for the safety of others.
Peace Officers Memorial Day is held annually in the United States on May 15 in honor of federal, state, and local officers who were killed or disabled in the line of duty. It is observed in conjunction with Police Week.
Is Peace Officers Memorial Day a Public Holiday?
Peace Officers Memorial Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours.
What Do People Do?
Many people pay tribute to officers who lost their lives or were injured on the job. According to Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), about 140β160 officers are killed in the line of duty each year.
Flags are lowered in remembrance.
Police departments may hold memorial ceremonies.
The Fraternal Order of Police organizes a national memorial service in Washington, DC, followed by a wreath placement at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
People are reminded to remain vigilant against crime.
Public Life
Although it’s a solemn observance, it is not a federal holiday. Some may take extra time during the day, such as an extended lunch break, to attend memorial services.
Background
Congress requested the creation of Peace Officers Memorial Day on October 1, 1961.
President John F. Kennedy signed it into law on October 1, 1962.
Each year, the U.S. President proclaims May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 15 as Police Week.
On this day, flags on all government buildings are flown at half-staff.