Peace Officers Memorial Day
This annual holiday pays tribute to peace offers around the country who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.
Summary: Peace Officers Memorial Day was created on October 1, 1961. On that day, President John F. Kennedy received authorization by Congress to designate May 15 as the official day to commemorate peace officers. A bill was signed into law by President Kennedy on October 1, 1962. Since then, Peace Officers Memorial Day has taken place every May 15 and is part of Police Week.
Sponsored by the National Fraternal Order of Police, Peace Officers Memorial Day honors local, state and federal peace officers who have been disabled or died in the line of duty. Since 1994, the United States flag has flown at half-staff on the holiday.
Many pay tribute at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial walls in Washington D.C. on Peace Officers Memorial Day.
What to do: There is no traditional greeting for this holiday. Take time to honor or pay respects to peace officers injured in the line of duty.