Honoring Fallen Police Officers

Tuesday, May 15, is “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day,” a time to honor police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

When flown at half-staff, the flag should be hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak again before it is lowered for the day.

The idea of “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day” came into effect on October 1, 1961, when Congress asked the President to designate May 15 to honor law enforcement officers.  President John F. Kennedy signed the bill into law on October 1, 1962.  Each year, the President of the United States proclaims May 15 as “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day” and the calendar week of each year during which May 15 occurs as “Police Week.”