The annual National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Candlelight Vigil will take place virtually again this year due to the COVID-19 public health crisis. For over 30 years, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund has held a Candlelight Vigil to honor those who have died in the line of duty. This year, the names of fallen U.S. law enforcement officers will be formally dedicated on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during a virtual Candlelight Vigil on Wednesday, May 13 at 8 p.m. ET. The vigil will be broadcast via Verizon Media’s BUILD by Yahoo series and on its social platforms Facebook and Twitter, @VZUpToSpeed, as well as on LawMemorial.org and the Memorial’s YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter platforms.
During the virtual Candlelight Vigil, the names of each of the 394 men and women added to the Memorial this year will be read aloud in honor of their sacrifice. Those tuning into the vigil can also download the National Police Week app or from the Apple and Android app stores to view the full list of fallen officers, with their name, rank and photo.
“While the current health crisis has created challenges, it will not hinder our efforts in honoring our fallen heroes,” said National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund CEO Marcia Ferranto. “By holding the annual Candlelight Vigil virtually again this year, we have continued the opportunity for the entire nation to light candles and stand in solidarity and support of the surviving families and law enforcement agencies. This is also an opportunity for the public at large to learn about the depth and breadth of the service and sacrifice of American law enforcement.”
Located in Washington, D.C., the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is a living monument to ensure the men and women who died in the line of duty will never be forgotten. The 394 names engraved on the Memorial’s walls this year will join over 22,000 fallen officers already there, representing 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, federal law enforcement, and military police agencies.
Verizon is partnering with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund as lead sponsor and broadcast partner. The live event will be streamed on Verizon Media’s BUILD by Yahoo series and @VZUpToSpeed Twitter account.
With the Candlelight Vigil broadcast virtually, anyone can join the ceremony in solidarity and support. Individuals can embrace the spirit of the Candlelight Vigil by participating in United by Light, where they can pay tribute to a law enforcement officer by lighting a virtual candle in respect, honor, or remembrance. Virtual candles can be lit now to show appreciation for officers currently serving our communities, on May 13 to honor a fallen officer, or any time of year to remember anniversaries, academy graduations, birthdays, special occasions, or just to say thank you for all law enforcement officers do to keep our communities safe.
For more information on the virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13 at 8 p.m. EDT, visit LawMemorial.org.