National Peace Officers Memorial Day

Held in honor of federal, state and local officers killed or disabled in the line of duty, Peace Officers Memorial Day began in 1963 after President John F. Kennedy had signed a bill into law designating May 15 to honor law enforcement officers. Each year, the Fraternal Order of Police and its Auxiliary organizes a national memorial service on the day, drawing thousands from across the United States. The service is followed by the placement of a memorial wreath at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. The observance is part of Police Week across the nation.

Though Police Officers Memorial Day is not in the US Flag Code, it was designated by a joint Congressional resolution signed into law on October 1, 1962 by President John F. Kennedy (75 Statute 676). Additionally, Public Law 103-322 (36 USC 175) designated the day as a half-staff day in 1962. Each President since then has issued an annual proclamation designating Police Officers Memorial Day and encouraging people and governments to hold appropriate observances.

Peace Officers Memorial Day is an observance but it is not a federal public holiday in the United States. Some people may take time off work, such as an extended lunch break if a memorial service is held at noon, to attend a memorial service on this day.

According to the Legal Information Institute, the President is requested to issue a proclamation to: designate May 15 as Peace Officers' Memorial Day; to direct government officials to display the United States flag at half-staff on all government buildings; and to invite state and local governments and the people to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. The Presidential Proclamations can be found on the White House's website.