Peace Officers Memorial Day

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Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week is an observation in the United States that pays tribute to the local, state, and federal law enforcement officers. It takes place on May 15th.

The holiday was created 1 October 1961 when congress asked the president to designate the 15th of May to honor law enforcement officers. According to a proclomation by George W. Bush in 2002, "Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week pay tribute to the local, State, and Federal law enforcement officers who serve and protect us with courage and dedication. These observances also remind us of the ongoing need to be vigilant against all forms of crime, especially to acts of extreme violence and terrorism." Much of the holiday centers around the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial wall in Washington, D.C., whose walls feature the names of the 15,000 law enforcement officers who have been killed protecting the safety of Americans.

The holiday is part of "Police Week" (12 May through 18 May) and requires that flags be flown at half-staff.