Flags Flown at Half-Staff on May 15 Honoring Peace Officers Memorial Day

Across the nation and here on the Carleton campus, American flags will be flown at half-staff on Thursday, May 15 in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week.

Peacer Officers Memorial Day, which falls during National Police Week, honors the brave public servants who fight crime, violence, and terrorism, and pays homage to the heroes who have fallen in the line of duty.

May 15 has been designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week containing May 15 as National Police Week, since President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726 on October 1, 1962. In Washington, DC, activities during National Police Week now include the annual Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and COPS’ National Police Survivors’ Seminars as well as the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day Service.

A May 9 proclamation by President George W. Bush encourages Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes and businesses.