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Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15 is a day dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who serve as peace officers in our communities. The holiday was created in 1962 to commemorate those who have lost their lives while protecting and serving others. It's a time to remember their sacrifice and recognize the sacrifices that law enforcement officers make every day to ensure public safety and justice for all. From parades, ceremonies, and memorial services, there are many ways we can honor the brave people who put their lives on the line for us each day.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Foundation of Police Forces</div><div class='timeline-text'>The foundation of formal police forces began in major US cities in the early and mid-1800s to maintain law and order.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1961</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Senate Resolution</div><div class='timeline-text'>On October 1, 1961, Congress passed a resolution authorising the president to designate May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1962</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Holiday</div><div class='timeline-text'>On October 1, 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed the bill into law, officially designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1982</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Memorial Service</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first National Peace Officers' Memorial Service was held on May 15 in Washington D.C., a tradition that continues annually.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Police Week Establishment</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Bill Clinton signs Public Law 103-322 directing U.S. flag to be lowered on all government buildings on Peace Officers Memorial Day. The law also extended the duration of the celebrations, marking the calendar week in which May 15 falls as Police Week.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a memorial service</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Attend a memorial service in honor of fallen peace officers. Many cities have memorial services to remember and honor those who have lost their lives protecting citizens.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a parade to commemorate the lives of those who have served as peace officers. Invite local law enforcement agencies and organizations to join you in the celebration.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Fly a flag</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Fly a flag at half-mast to honor those who have died in the line of duty. This is a great way to show your respect for fallen peace officers.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write letters</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Write letters to the families of fallen peace officers expressing your gratitude and support for their service and sacrifice. This is a wonderful way to show that they are appreciated.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Volunteer in your local community and help out with events honoring peace officers. This is an excellent way to show your appreciation for those who have served their country.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors the service of peace officers</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Peace Officers Memorial Day is a day dedicated to recognizing the brave men and women who have served as peace officers. On this day we come together to honor their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to keeping our communities safe.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It serves as a reminder of their selflessness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Peace Officers Memorial Day is an opportunity for us to reflect on all that our peace officers do for us. It serves as a reminder of how selfless these individuals are in putting themselves in danger in order to keep the public safe and secure.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a time to remember those we've lost</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Peace Officers Memorial Day is also a special time to remember and pay tribute to the ones who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving. We take this time to honor their memory and express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for their dedication and service.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>More than 24,000 Peace Officers Have Died in the Line of Duty</h3><p class='facts-content'>Since the first recorded police death in 1791, there have been more than 24,000 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, a testament to the danger and sacrifice inherent in this profession.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The average age of a Fallen Officer is 39</h3><p class='facts-content'>Statistics reveal that the average age of an officer who loses life in service is 39, indicating the early loss of dedicated peace officers working toward maintaining social order and justice.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial features over 22,000 names.</h3><p class='facts-content'>Opened in 1991, this memorial in Washington D.C. pays homage to over 22,000 fallen law enforcement officers, with names dating back to the first known death in 1791.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are over 800,000 sworn law enforcement officers currently serving in the U.S.</h3><p class='facts-content'>This significant number demonstrates the large community of individuals dedicated to maintaining law and order and responding to emergencies in their communities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Texas has the highest number of peace officer fatalities.</h3><p class='facts-content'>With over 1,700 fatalities since 1791, Texas holds the tragic record for the highest number of peace officer fatalities, followed by California and New York.</p></div></div>
Peace Officers Memorial Day is celebrated on May 15th every year. In 2024, Peace Officers Memorial Day will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
May 15
Monday
2024
May 15
Wednesday
2025
May 15
Thursday
2026
May 15
Friday
2027
May 15
Saturday
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