Annual event to take place virtually followed by an in-person event
during National Police Weekend, October 13-17.
Washington, DC (May 5, 2021) — The annual National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Candlelight Vigil will take place virtually again this year due to the COVID-19 public health crisis. For over 30 years, the Memorial Fund has held a Candlelight Vigil to honor those who have died in the line of duty. This year, the virtual Candlelight Vigil will be held on Thursday, May 13 at 8 p.m. ET. The event will be broadcast via the Verizon Frontline page, on Verizon’s LinkedIn page, on the @VZUpToSpeed Twitter account, as well as on LawMemorial.org and the Memorial’s YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter platforms. Verizon is partnering with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund as lead sponsor and broadcast partner.
During the virtual Candlelight Vigil, the names of each of the 394 men and women added to the Memorial this year will be read aloud in honor of their sacrifice. Those tuning in to the vigil can also download the National Police Week app online or from the Apple and Android app stores to view the full list of fallen officers, with their names, ranks and photos.
“While the current health crisis has created challenges, it will not hinder our efforts in honoring our fallen heroes,” said National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund CEO Marcia Ferranto. “By holding the annual Candlelight Vigil virtually again this year, we have continued the opportunity for the entire nation to light candles and stand in solidarity and support of the surviving families and law enforcement agencies. This is also an opportunity for the public at large to learn about the depth and breadth of the service and sacrifice of American law enforcement.”
Located in Washington, D.C., the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is a living monument to ensure the men and women who died in the line of duty will never be forgotten. The 394 names engraved on the Memorial’s walls this year will join over 22,000 fallen officers already there, representing 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, federal law enforcement, and military police agencies.
“It’s important to keep this powerful tradition alive as we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and celebrate the women and men who risk their lives every day on the front lines,” said Jennifer Chronis, Senior Vice President of Verizon Public Sector. “For nearly 30 years, Verizon has worked to support first responders and it’s a privilege to continue our partnership with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to support the virtual Candlelight Vigil.”
With the Candlelight Vigil broadcast virtually, anyone can join the ceremony in solidarity and support. Individuals can embrace the spirit of the Candlelight Vigil and support the work of the Memorial Fund by donating to the United by Light appeal, where they can leave a message of hope and healing and light a virtual candle in respect, honor, or remembrance. Virtual candles can be lit now to show appreciation for officers currently serving our communities, on May 13 to honor a fallen officer, or any time of year to remember anniversaries, academy graduations, birthdays, special occasions, or just to say thank you for all law enforcement officers do to keep our communities safe.
For more information on the virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13 at 8 p.m. EDT, visit LawMemorial.org.
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About the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum
Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to telling the story of American law enforcement and making it safer for those who serve. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial contains the names of 22,611 officers who have died in the line of duty throughout U.S. history. For more information about the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, visit LawMemorial.org. Authorized by Congress in 2000, the 57,000-square-foot National Law Enforcement Museum at the Motorola Solutions Foundation Building tells the story of American law enforcement by providing visitors a “walk in the shoes” experience along with educational journeys, immersive exhibitions, and insightful programs. The Museum is an initiative of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information on the Law Enforcement Museum, visit LawEnforcementMuseum.org.
Daniel Forde
[email protected]
(601) 664-2010