| May. 12th, 2007 @ 09:19 am National Police Week. |
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Current Mood: awake
Cranking from the Speakers: "Klendathu Drop" - Starship Troopers Soundtrack
Heads up, folks... National Police Week technically runs from May 12 - May 19.
Here's some brief history:
"In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as National Police Week. Every year since, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. For more information please visit www.policeweek.org."
Sure, these events take place in DC, but...
"The US Flag may be flown at half staff by Presidential Proclamation, or by the State Governor. By statute, the President is required to issue each year a proclamation requiring goverment buildings to half staff the flag and invite all the people of the U.S. to do so as well, on the following days:
- May 15th, Peace Officer's Memorial Day
- September 11th, Patriot Day
- December 7th, National Pearl Harbor Rememberance Day"
....so, in short, there are 3 dates upon which Presidential Proclamation requires government buildings to fly at half-staff... and May 15th shares some distinction then with the other dates listed.
Take some time out to remember and reflect at home, or while at work, or whilst driving.
We lose, on average, approximately 120+ Law Enforcement Officers yearly, nationwide.
Obviously this doesn't take into account those who are attacked, seriously injured, maimed, et al.
We've lost 63 already this year alone. http://www.odmp.org/year.php if you'd like to see for yourself. 22 of those have been to gunfire; the first, Jan. 6th in Tennessee, occurred while on a traffic stop wherein the Trooper smelled marijuana. The passenger opened fire and killed the Trooper where he stood.
....over marijuana.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. Hopefully it brings some perspective to what we do, and that the risks are very real.
-Derek |
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