Police Memorial Day

Tomorrow, May 15th, is National Peace Officers Memorial Day. Instituted by Congress in 1961 and signed into law by President Kennedy in 1962, Peace Officers Memorial Day pays tribute to all local, state and federal law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.  All United States flags are to flown at half staff on May 15th (Public Law 103-322).

The United States averages a police officer killed in the line of duty every 53 hours. More than 19,000 officers have paid the supreme sacrifice for their community and country since the first recorded line of duty death in 1791, Maryland accounting for 281 of those.

Please take a moment to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect and serve your community. Please keep their loved ones and coworkers in your thoughts and prayers. In addition, remember those that are currently serving you. If you see police officer tomorrow, take a moment to acknowledge their dedication, service and sacrifice. By simply saying, “thank you for your service,” while walking by or stopped next to an officer at a traffic light, is nice way to brighten an officer’s day on his saddest day of the year.

 “In valor, there is hope.” ~ Tacitus

Yours in service,

Patrick O’Hagan

President

Hyattsville Fraternal Order of Police