WASHINGTON, USA — Flags in Washington state are flying at half-staff today in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day.
The observance on May 15 is to recognize the nation's local, state and federal officers and remember those who have died. The annual observance dates back to 1962. That was the year President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation declaring the observance and designated the week that followed as National Police Week.
President Joe Biden wrote a proclamation in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week that reads, in part:
"This year, we also honor our Nation’s law enforcement families, who serve and sacrifice alongside their loved ones. Every day, they summon courage as their loved ones put on their badges and leave for work, praying for their safe return home. o those who have lost a loved one who served, I know that no memorial can fill the void left in your heart. But I hope you find solace in knowing that their memory lives on through you, the community they served, and all those that they inspired through their example. Our Nation will never forget their sacrifice."
May 15 is one of five days during the year that flags are scheduled to be lowered at the direction of Gov. Jay Inslee. The other dates include:
- National Firefighters Memorial Day in May
- Memorial Day from sunrise to noon
- Patriot Day on Sept. 11
- National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on Dec. 7
There are also other occasions when the flag could be at half-staff. If a principal federal or state government official dies, or a government employee is killed in the line of duty, or if someone from Washington who is serving in the armed forces dies while serving, the flag will be lowered.
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