This week members of the Bellingham Police Department Honor Guard are in Washington DC to represent our department and profession during the ceremonies planned to honor our nation's fallen law enforcement heroes from 2018.
May 15th of each year is designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day, which President John F. Kennedy so proclaimed in 1962. He also signed into declaration the week in which May 15th falls as Police Week, to recognize the service of all women and men in law enforcement who protect their communities, night and day.
Each May, thousands of police officers from all over the United States and world, gather in Washington DC to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice during the prior year. For this ceremony the 158 names of officers who were killed in the line of duty in 2018 were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall in Washington, DC.
Our Honor Guard will be participating in the 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil on the National Mall tonight at 8:00 pm, EST. Thousands of officers will fill the National Mall, in their dress uniforms with candles, taking a moment to honor our peers who sacrificed their all in the performance of their duties.
The same BPD Honor Guard members were selected to participate in the Cordon and Colors Honor Guard for the 38th Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service at the West Front of the US Capitol Building on May 15, 2019 at 11:00 am EST.
“This week is not only our opportunity to memorialize the sacrifices made by those who commit their lives to serve others, but also a stark reminder of the dangerous situations our law enforcement officers face when they answer their calls to duty,” said Chief David Doll.
Our US Flag will be flying at half-staff on May 15, 2019 in respect and honor of those whose names have been added to the wall in Washington DC. Police Officers around the nation will be wearing mourning bands across their badges to honor our fallen brothers and sisters.
“Our officers don't hesitate to put their lives on the line every day and night,” Mayor Kelli Linville said. “I'm proud of our police department and want to express my gratitude for our law enforcement officers for their dedication and courageous service to our community.”
Each day the brave men and women of law enforcement serve with honor, bravery and strength in their communities safeguarding lives and property. For more information visit the website for National Police Week here.
