Blue Mass: Blessing Law Enforcement and Those Who Serve

The events and activities of National Police Week 2006 began officially on May 9 with the 12th Annual Blue Mass at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in downtown Washington, D.C. The principal celebrant and homilist for the 2006 Mass was His Eminence, Theodore Cardinal McCarrick, Archbishop of Washington. The Mass included an honor guard, bagpipers, and the solemn playing of "Taps" in memory of those who gave their lives in the past year.

Many prominent local and national law enforcement leaders were on hand, including The Honorable Chief Charles Ramsey of the Metropolitan D.C. Police Department. Regional and federal public safety agencies also participated.

Dear Saint Michael, Your name means, "Who is Like a God," and it indicates that You remained faithful when others rebelled against God. Help the police officers of our day who strive to stem the rebellion and evil that are rampant on all sides. Keep them faithful to their God as well as to their country and their fellow human beings. Amen.

Police Unity Tour Arrives at Memorial; Commits $5 Million to the Museum

On May 12, more than 1,000 cyclists and support crew members of the Police Unity Tour converged on the Memorial grounds. Amidst much fanfare, Police Unity Tour leaders Harry Phillips and Pat Montuore announced the Unity Tour's $5 million commitment to A Matter of Honor: The Campaign for the National Law Enforcement Museum. This gift makes the Unity Tour the largest contributor to the Campaign.

This year's Unity Tour was the largest ever in terms of riders, support staff and funds raised. At the arrival ceremony, Unity Tour co-founders Pat Montuore and Harry Phillips, along with Chapter presidents, presented NLEOMF Chairman and CEO Craig W. Floyd with a check for $1 million. Since the Police Unity Tour’s inception in 1997, a total of $3.2 million has been raised for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. $2 million of the total donation has been designated towards the Police Unity Tour’s $5 million pledge to support A Matter of Honor: The Campaign to Support the National Law Enforcement Museum.(updated 1/29/07)

U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales Honors Our Nation's Fallen at the 18th Annual Candlelight Vigil

"To those of you who have lost a loved one, to you who pick yourself up after suffering an incomparable blow, I say simply 'thank you' for your sacrifice. I am here tonight to express my gratitude, I stand here shoulder-to-shoulder with you as a sign of my commitment to your cause, as a partner and as a friend."

With these comforting words, the clear voice of U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales resounded throughout the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the 18th Annual Candlelight Vigil on Saturday, May 13th.

"The history of police in America is a history of the growth of the rule of law. These engraved names remind us of how far we have gone in the quest for the American Dream -- and of how much farther we have to go... Whatever the cause of their passing, all died as they lived, committed to duty. Our culture today, with its insistence on quick satisfaction, is often at odds with the ethic of duty. Unlike those who seek high salaries or quiet comfort, those we honor today donned a uniform and chose a life dedicated to service. That requires discipline, hard work, and long hours. It takes its toll on families. And sadly it cost them their lives," added the nation's highest law enforcement official.

Click here to read U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' remarks.

Chairman Floyd welcomed Attorney General Gonzales and delivered a message of hope to the more than 870,000 law enforcement officers who serve in America today: "To all of the peace officers here tonight, please know that you do not have to die to become a hero. We honor you tonight and always at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial for all you do each and every day to serve and protect."

Click here to read remarks by NLEOMF Chairman Craig Floyd



The annual ceremony featured the visually inspiring "Tribute to America's Thin Blue Line," during which a blue laser pierces the night sky above a sea of flickering candles. The ceremony also included the singing of the national anthem by Fairfax County (VA) Police Officer Laura Zambron, invocation by West Orange (NJ) Police Sergeant Gregory Boyle, stirring remarks from Shirley Gibson, National President of Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), and musical tributes by Massachusetts State Police Trooper (ret.) Daniel Clark, Port Authority of NY/NJ PBA Officer Steve Butterbrodt, and U.S. Park Police Lieutenant Kathleen Harasek.

Lawride: More than 1,000 Motorcyclists Ride to Remember

Sunday May 14th, Mother's Day, brought more people to the Memorial. Over the weekend, wreaths continued to grace the Memorial's marble walls along with poignant mementoes to the fallen. The day began with the loudly impressive 11th Annual Lawride, which drew more than 1,000 motorcycle club members from Maryland, Georgia, Massachusetts, Virginia, and numerous other states. NLEOMF Chief Operating Officer Herb Giobbi delivered keynote remarks and Lawride organizers Sly Barnes and J.D. Perkins spoke reverently about fallen motorcycle officer colleagues.

Officer of the Month Luncheon: Distinguished Officers Honored

A special group of officers — the NLEOMF's "Officers of the Month" — were honored at the annual Officer of the Month Luncheon, sponsored by Beretta. Following opening remarks from Chairman Floyd and presentation of the colors by the University of Vermont Police Department Honor Guard, Chaplain Greg Boyle (West Orange, NJ, PD) delivered a stirring invocation. The Honorable Michael R. Bouchard, Assistant Director for Field Operations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, gave the keynote address.

Beretta Director of Law Enforcement, Michael Chamberlain, said, "Americans everywhere are grateful for the valiant efforts of law enforcement and peace officers. Beretta is pleased to have the chance to recognize the remarkable and valorous efforts of the all officers honored by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund."

Pomp and Pageantry: Pipeband Sloshes Through the Streets to the Memorial

Although the rain which had held off throughout most of the weekend finally began coming down in the late afternoon of May 14, it did not dampen the spirits of the participants in the 11th Annual Emerald Society & Pipeband March and Service. No strangers to rain (last year's March and service also took place in a driving rainstorm) these intrepid pipers, fifers and drummers marched proudly-and loudly-to the Memorial. The thousands of spectators lining the streets seemed as unbothered by the rain as the marchers, and cheered as each contingent piped by.

Law Enforcement Ambassadors Build Support for the National Law Enforcement Museum

Meanwhile, inside the Communications Workers of America's conference room, the NLEOMF's Law Enforcement Ambassadors shared their successes and "best practices" in raising awareness and funds for the National Law Enforcement Museum. Law enforcement has raised more than $8 million towards A Matter of Honor: The Campaign for the National Law Enforcement Museum, including a $5 million commitment from the Police Unity Tour. The Law Enforcement Ambassadors play a leadership role in sustaining this national effort.

Peace Officers Memorial Day: Flags Fly at Half-Staff to Honor Fallen Law Enforcement Heroes

Although May 15th, Peace Officers Memorial Day, dawned with showers and an overcast sky, the sun soon emerged from the clouds and bathed the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in its warm and comforting glow. Continued favorable weather drew thousands of people to the Memorial throughout the day, where they walked the Wall and reflected on the nation's fallen law enforcement heroes. In accordance with Public Law 103-322, flags at the Memorial and throughout the United States were lowered to half staff.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy designated May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and this year's services at the U.S. Capitol marked the 25th anniversary of the Peace Officers Memorial Day Service, hosted by the Fraternal Order of Police and the Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary. President George W. Bush recognized the service and sacrifice of the nation's fallen law enforcement officers and spoke directly with survivors.

The first service in 1982 is said to have had only 125 attendees, some of whom were touring Boy Scouts. More than 20,000 attended this year's service. "We have so much to be proud of when we look at how we honor each and every one of our fallen brothers and sisters each year," said FOP President Chuck Canterbury, who with Aliza Clark (President of the FOP Auxiliary) have played a vital role in increasing the prominence and importance of this annual tribute.

Immediately following the service, survivors boarded buses and traveled to the Memorial, where the FOP/FOPA held its annual Wreathlaying ceremony. The wreathlaying ceremony featured the "call and repeat" of Taps and a haunting rendition of Amazing Grace played by the Minnesota Police Pipe Band.

In 2007, Peace Officers Memorial Day will be Tuesday, May 15. Be sure to remind your local government officials and officers to lower the U.S. flag to half-staff in honor of our nation's fallen law enforcement heroes.

Post a tribute to our nation's law enforcement officers and to the surviving families of our fallen officers.

Get your Police Week memorabilia at the NLEOMF's online gift shop!

Add your photos to the NLEOMF's online Police Week Photo Gallery!

This year to show their support of National Police Week, Team One Network sent volunteers to help our staff. We would like to that Team One for all of their support!

Special thanks to:
John T Meyer Jr
Betty Meyer
Jason Meyer
Kati Meyer
Patsey Rios
Joe Tuzzolino
Trevin Sorby
Mike Downey

Team One Network has been involved with the Memorial Fund for many years. Based out of Virginia, Team One offers tactical training for officers with their number one goal being officer survival.