On Wednesday, the American flag and the State of Illinois flag will be flying at half-staff. This symbolic gesture is done in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day, which is observed every year on May 15th as designated by federal law. This day is a time to remember and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have lost their lives or have been disabled while serving as peace officers.
The White House has released a statement saying, “On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, we recognize the incredible courage of our Nation’s police officers and honor the fallen heroes, whose ultimate sacrifice we can never repay.” This is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by these brave individuals who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe.
According to the office of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, the flags will remain at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday. This is a small but meaningful gesture to show our respect and gratitude for the selfless service of our law enforcement officers.
Peace Officers Memorial Day is one of two federal observances that require American flags to be lowered to half-staff, the other being Memorial Day. This shows the significance of this day and the importance of honoring those who have given their lives in service to our country.
The tradition of observing Peace Officers Memorial Day dates back to 1962, when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15th as the day to honor fallen peace officers. It was also declared as Police Week, a time to recognize and show appreciation for the men and women who risk their lives to protect us.
According to the FBI, last year alone, 60 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty. This is a stark reminder of the dangers that our officers face every day while carrying out their duties. And as of April 29th this year, 19 law enforcement officers have already lost their lives, with another 21 dying in accidents on the job. These numbers serve as a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by our law enforcement officers and the importance of honoring their memory.
FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a statement, “Police Week gives us an important opportunity to recognize and thank those heroes who walk among us – the men and women of courage and character who think of others before themselves, no matter the cost.” These words beautifully capture the essence of what it means to be a peace officer – someone who puts the safety and well-being of others above their own.
On this day, let us take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have lost their lives while serving as peace officers. Let us also show our appreciation and support for those who continue to serve and protect our communities. Peace Officers Memorial Day is a time for us to come together and pay tribute to these heroes, and to never forget their sacrifices.
