Every October, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) holds "Wreathlaying Day," a ceremony that commemorates the dedication of the Memorial in 1991. The ceremony, held Monday Oct. 17 this year, honors all law enforcement officers and pays special tribute to local Virginia, Maryland, D.C., and Federal law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty since the previous Wreathlaying Day. During this period, 16 local officers made the ultimate sacrifice. Honor Guards representing the local agencies stood vigil at the Memorial until approximately 6:30 p.m.
The Memorial, dedicated by former President George Bush on October 15, 1991, honors more than 17,000 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving their country and their fellow citizens.
The names of the officers inscribed on the Memorial's marble panels date back to the first known law enforcement death in 1792. If officer fatalities continue to occur at the current average annual rate of 166 per year, the Memorial will reach its engraving capacity around the year 2050.
For more information about this recent event and the memorial visit www.nleomf.com.