What is National Police Week?

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring America’s law enforcement community.

Annual National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Candlelight Vigil

The annual National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Candlelight Vigil will take place virtually this year due to the COVID-19 public health crisis. For over 30 years, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund has held a Candlelight Vigil to honor those who have died in the line of duty. This year, the names of fallen U.S. law enforcement officers will be formally dedicated on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during a virtual Candlelight Vigil on: 

Wednesday, May 13 at 8 p.m. ET. 

The vigil will be broadcast via Verizon Media's BUILD by Yahoo series and on its social platforms Facebook and Twitter, @VZUpToSpeed, as well as on LawMemorial.org and the Memorials YouTube , Facebook, and Twitter platforms.

During the virtual Candlelight Vigil, the names of each of the 307 men and women that will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year will be read aloud in memory of their sacrifice. Those tuning into the vigil can also visit a web app to view the full list of fallen officers, with their name, rank and photo.