Secretary's Notepad
Secretary's Notepad Police Week: An Experience You'll Never Forget!
by Thomas Funke
President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation in October of 1962 stating that May 15th will be "Peace Officers Memorial Day" and the week that it falls in will be known as "Police Week," but it took over 20years for it to actually be celebrated. The day was set aside to pay tribute to federal, state, and municipal officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. In August 1981, the first National Police Officer's Memorial Service was held by the Fraternal Order of Police
The second National Police Officer's Memorial Day Service was held on May 14, 1983 where 10 young widows came to Washington, D.C. to attend the service. Emotions were at a high after the young women got to meet other survivors and police officers. Their discussions after the service brought forth the national police survivors seminars.
On May 14, 1984 the first survivors seminar was held. Later that same year, President Ronald Regan signed into law the legislation allowing the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to begin raising money for a monument to be built in Washington, D.C. honoring the fallen law enforcement officers.
In 1989, the first annual Candlelight Vigil was held at the site of the soon-to-be-constructed National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Judiciary Square in Washington, D.C. In October 1991, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial was dedicated by President George Bush, Sr. As of 2008, the wall has over 18,000 names of law enforcement officers who paid the ultimate price for their dedication.
I've been fortunate over the last several years to represent POAM, and the Livonia Police Department as an active Livonia Police Honor Guard member during National Police Week in Washington, D.C. The extreme emotional experience is one that every officer should have an opportunity to become involved in sometime during their careers. Police officers across the nation gather to commence the three-day observances at Judiciary Square in Washington, D.C.
The first night held the 20th Annual Candlelight Vigil which paid tribute to numerous fallen officers across the nation. Engraved on the wall this year were the names of six officers from the state of Michigan. These officers died in the line of duty from 1955 to 2007. Political leaders along with family members of fallen officers gathered for this emotionally charged tribute.
The service starts with the family members and political leaders being lead past honor guard units from around the world to the haunting notes of pipe and drum corps. Rows of honor guard officers pay the ultimate tribute by saluting the family members of fallen officers. U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey delivered the keynote address and read the names of all 358 fallen officers while the silence spoke volumes. The service ended with officers lighting candles in honor of their fallen brothers and sisters.
The next day officers and family members had an opportunity to shade/trace the names of their loved ones that were engraved upon the wall. An honor guard competition was held for police honor guard units from across the nation to show their skills and technique levels. Also available was a retail area for commemorative souvenirs from numerous departments and police vendors. In the middle of the retail area was a "beer tent" for all to enjoy camaraderie and stories with their brothers and sisters. The last day of the activities concluded with the 27th Annual National Police Officers Memorial Service on the capitol grounds. The president, who has spoken over the past six years was unable to attend due to a prior commitment in the Middle East. The keynote speaker was the U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. Popular recording artist Jo Dee Messina paid vocal tribute during the ceremony.
Later that same day, POAM arranged and sponsored an afternoon and evening of beer, burgers, and brotherhood for all law enforcement members from Michigan to enjoy. The afternoon and evening saw as many funny stories as tear evoking memories. It was a celebration of life and a memorial to all those who came before. It was a moment to remember the fallen officers who lost their lives doing everything within their power to make our world, nation, state, city, and neighborhoods safe for all to enjoy. Others may run away from danger, but our brothers and sisters ran toward it knowing that justice would be served.