PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY AND POLICE WEEK

PRESS RELEASE:  PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY AND POLICE WEEK

On May 4, 1963, President John F. Kennedy signed a Proclamation which designated that May 15 would be annually recognized as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the entire week would likewise be annually recognized as Police Week.  President Kennedy encouraged the citizenry of this Nation “to observe Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week in this year and each succeeding year with appropriate ceremonies in which all our people may join in commemorating law enforcement officers, past and present, who by their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities have rendered a dedicated service to their communities.” 

President Kennedy issued that Proclamation following a Joint Resolution by the Congress of the United States of America, which continues to reflect the voice of all of the citizenry: “[T]he police officers of America have worked devotedly and selflessly in behalf of the people of this Nation, regardless of the peril or hazard to themselves…these officers have safeguarded the lives and property of their fellow Americans…by the enforcement of our laws, these same officers have given our country internal freedom from fear of the violence and civil disorder that is presently affecting other nations…these men and women by their patriotic service and their dedicated efforts have earned the gratitude of the Republic.”

While I annually release an Op-Ed at this time of year to recognize this day and week, it is usually not published due to the time of year and competing Letters to the Editor surrounding our primary elections in Pennsylvania.  There is no such competition this particular year, and unfortunately no such opportunity for a gathering or ceremony to recognize these particularly special men and women in uniform.  But if nothing else, please take a brief pause to thoughtfully reflect on their service and also upon the precision of the words in above text from our former leaders.  If you see police this week, please thank them.  Now more than ever, “One Team, One Fight.” 

Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week Press Release.pdf

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