It’s been a difficult few years for police. In 2020, 374 members of law enforcement died in the line of duty, and so far this year, 356 have died serving the public. Perhaps I’m particular attentive to what’s gone on because my grandfather was a volunteer police officer during World War II, and one of my family members is a detective. It’s funny how little we thing of them–until we need them! They come out any time, day or night, in every kind of weather, and do whatever they can to help–from finding a lost child to breaking up violent gangs to domestic violence to catching homicide suspects and everything in between. It’s incredibly hard work for little pay and yet they still try to do their job professionally and compassionately. Yes there are some very bad apples, but that is an infinitesimally small number.

In 1962, President John Kennedy signed a proclamation making May 15 Peace Officer’s Memorial Day, which eventually became known as Police Week. Numerous events are planned each year throughout the country to honor men and women of law enforcement who died in the line of duty that year. Major events are slated for Washington, D.C. A Memorial Service took place in the Senate Park in 1982 with 120 surviving family members and supporters of law enforcement officer. It has grown each year, with more than 30,000 law enforcement officers from every state and a number of them from other nations attend the week-long event. It now include a number of events, notably a Candlelight Vigil and the Police Week Blue Mass.

Due to the pandemic, Police Week was be put on hold. Rather than taking place in May 2021, it’s being held this week, will all the appropriate solemnity that it always has. Though many of the functions have been watched virtually, thousands of men and women have still participated in Thursday’s Candlelight Vigil, today’s National Police Survivor Conference, and Saturday’s National Police Officer’s Memorial Service and the Wreath Laying Ceremony and Standing Watch for the Fallen.