Peace Officers Memorial Day is held annually in the United States on May 15 in honor of federal, state, and local officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Since the year 1971, over 24,000 law enforcement personnel have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Many people go into law enforcement because of their feelings of a moral obligation to help others. They are sworn to keep us safe 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The police job descriptions and duties are many. They must have exemplary judgment and knowledge; be able to multitask and face impossible situations while keeping calm, fair, and unbiased; they must be able to make split-second decisions that could end a life. Difficult, yes, but they go to work every day and they are there to answer your call.
The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #16 asked its members and citizens to place a blue light in their window to show support for the local law enforcement. You can also show appreciation by displaying blue ribbons which are a symbol of law enforcement support. Display your feelings with blue ribbons on your car door handle, mailbox, front porch, flagpole or door. You can also honor their sacrifice by flying your flag at half-mast. These are great gestures to support law enforcement, but please do one thing more that will make a bigger difference. Talk to your local officers and thank them personally.
Blue lives are precious, and they do matter. Honor and remember their sacrifice, and pray for them and the families that they left behind.
“It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived,” Vivian Eney Cross, survivor.
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