The names of 252 U.S. law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty will be formally dedicated on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 28th Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13.
U.S. Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch and Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson will deliver special remarks and lead in candle lighting and reading the names of the fallen officers. The names of 252 officers added to the Memorial this year include 123 who made the ultimate sacrifice during 2015, in addition to 129 officers who died earlier in history but whose sacrifice had not been previously documented.
With these additions, there are 20,789 officers’ names engraved on the Memorial, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, federal law enforcement, and military police agencies. The event will also commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, which was dedicated on October 15, 1991.
WHAT: 28th Annual Candlelight Vigil
Includes blue light display, musical tributes, and reading of 252 names as they are dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Live webcast is available through www.UnitedByLight.org.
WHEN: Friday, May 13, 2016—8:00 pm EDT
Media representatives must arrive and check in before 2:30 pm.
WHERE: National Mall
Between 4th and 7th streets Washington, DC
WHO:
- Loretta E. Lynch
U.S. Attorney General - Jeh Johnson
Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security - Craig W. Floyd
Memorial Fund President & CEO - Brenda Donner
National President of Concerns of Police Survivors - Other law enforcement leaders and dignitaries
Each May 13, an estimated 20,000 people assemble for the Candlelight Vigil, a signature event of National Police Week. For the eighth year, the ceremony will be streamed live over the Internet so that people across the country can witness this annual tribute to America’s law enforcement officers. Individuals interested in the free webcast can register online at www.UnitedByLight.org.
“Our annual Candlelight Vigil is a moving tribute to the brave men and women of law enforcement who put the safety and protection of others ahead of their own—especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the process,” said Craig W. Floyd, President & CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “Attending the ceremony in person or viewing it over the Internet is a meaningful way for all Americans to show their appreciation and respect for these heroes,” he shared. “As we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and commence construction of the National Law Enforcement Museum, the Candlelight Vigil is especially meaningful this year.”
The names of the 252 officers added to the National Memorial this year can be found at www.LawMemorial.org/2016RollCall.
For a complete schedule of National Police Week events in Washington, DC, visit www.LawMemorial.org/policeweek.
