In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a bill into law proclaiming May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Each year, our nation is asked to pay tribute to the brave local, state and federal peace officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.
The United States has nearly 18,000 separate law enforcement agencies with more than 800,000 sworn law enforcement officers serving collectively to protect our communities. This year, 282 American law enforcement officers will be honored, including two from North Carolina.
Last month, the four peace officers killed in the line of duty and four others being injured in Charlotte brings into focus the sacrifices made by the brave men and women in law enforcement as well as those made by their families.
“May God bless and protect all law enforcement officers across our great nation, and may God bless the men and women who have given their lives in service to our nation,” 36th Prosecutorial District Attorney Scott Reilly said.
District Attorney Reilly asks all citizens to join him and his office in honoring our peace officers serving the counties of Burke, Caldwell and Catawba, along with all the officers serving in the United States, by lowering the flags to half-staff on May 15, 2024, and personally thanking them for their service.