This week we celebrate National Police Week in honor the officers who have fallen in the line of duty. We also recognize the sacrifices made by the families of those officers and the families of those who continue to protect and serve our communities.
In addition, this Thursday is Peace Officers Memorial Day. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week.
See here and below for Governor Terry McAuliffe’s proclamation issued on Sunday as well as a letter from Secretary of Public Safety Brian Moran.
Virginia Police Week And Peace Officers Memorial Day Proclamation
May 11, 2014
By the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia
WHEREAS, in 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed the first proclamation recognizing May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week, “to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and to voice our appreciation for all those who currently serve on the front lines of the battle against crime;” and
WHEREAS, the safety and well-being of Virginians is of the utmost importance to the prosperity and livelihood of Virginia’s families and communities; and
WHEREAS, police officers throughout our Commonwealth are dedicated to protecting and serving Virginia’s communities – our neighborhoods, schools, and families; and
WHEREAS, police officers risk their lives each and every day in order to ensure public safety and enforce the laws of the land; and
WHEREAS, Virginians value the courage and devotion of our Commonwealth’s state and local police, as our collective prosperity depends on the integrity with which our law enforcement officers maintain peace and security; and
WHEREAS, Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day are opportunities to honor the officers who have fallen in the line of duty, and recognize the sacrifices made by the families of those officers and the families of those who continue to protect and serve our communities;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Terence R. McAuliffe, do hereby recognize May 11-17, 2014, as POLICE WEEK, and May 15, 2014, as PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call these observances to the attention of all our citizens.
Terence R. McAuliffe
Governor of Virginia