Peace Officers Memorial Day: Date, History, Significance, And How to Get Involved
Key Facts About Peace Officers Memorial Day
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Date | May 15 |
| 2025 Date | Thursday, May 15 |
| Proclaimed By | President John F. Kennedy (1962) |
| Flag Protocol | Half-staff across the nation |
| Memorial Location | National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, Washington, D.C. |
| Names Honored | Over 24,000 fallen officers |
| Associated Week | National Police Week (May 11–17, 2025) |
Each year on May 15, the United States commemorates Peace Officers Memorial Day, a solemn occasion to remember and honor law enforcement officers who have died or been permanently disabled in the line of duty. It is more than just a tribute — it's a national reflection on the values of service, protection, and sacrifice that define those who wear the badge.
Read more: National Police Week: Dates, History, Importance, Activities, and How to Get Involved
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| Peace Officers Memorial Day |
When Is Peace Officers Memorial Day 2025?
In 2025, Peace Officers Memorial Day will be observed on Thursday, May 15. It is a designated federal observance, and on this day:
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The U.S. flag is flown at half-staff across all federal buildings.
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Thousands gather in Washington, D.C., for National Police Week events.
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Memorials and vigils are held nationwide to honor those lost in service.
The History and Origins of Peace Officers Memorial Day
The day was established in 1962, when President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726, officially designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. His vision was to create a national moment of gratitude for officers who had given their lives to uphold public order and safety.
Later, President Bill Clinton reinforced the observance by directing that the flag be flown at half-staff every May 15, unless it coincides with Armed Forces Day, in which case the directive is overridden.
What Is Peace Officers Memorial Day All About?
Unlike Veterans Day or Memorial Day, Peace Officers Memorial Day is solely dedicated to fallen and disabled law enforcement officers, including those from:
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Local and municipal police departments
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County sheriffs and deputies
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State police and highway patrol
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Federal law enforcement agencies (FBI, DEA, ATF, etc.)
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Tribal and campus police forces
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Specialized units like SWAT, corrections officers, and K9 handlers
The day serves three key purposes:
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To honor the ultimate sacrifice made by officers who died in the line of duty.
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To support the surviving families and colleagues of those lost.
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To educate the public about the risks and responsibilities of policing.
National Police Week: The Broader Context
Peace Officers Memorial Day is the anchor point of National Police Week, which in 2025 takes place from Sunday, May 11 to Saturday, May 17.
This week includes a range of events:
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Candlelight Vigil on the National Mall (May 13, 2025)
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National Peace Officers Memorial Service on Capitol Hill (May 15, 2025)
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Police Unity Tour, a multi-day bicycle ride in honor of fallen officers
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Memorial exhibitions, educational panels, and survivor outreach programs
Tens of thousands of officers, survivors, and supporters travel to Washington, D.C. each year for these powerful observances.
