U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey and Jennifer Thacker, national president of Concerns of Police Survivors, will join law enforcement officers, supporters, and surviving family members of officers killed in the line of duty in commemorating the 17th anniversary of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. The annual Wreathlaying Day ceremony, which begins at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15, pays special tribute to law enforcement officers from the DC area and federal agencies who made the ultimate sacrifice during the past 12 months.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial was dedicated on October 15, 1991, by President George H.W. Bush. The Memorial includes the names of all known U.S. law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, dating back to the first recorded officer death of New York City Deputy Sheriff Isaac Smith in May 1792. At the time of its dedication, 12,668 names were engraved on the Memorial's walls. Today, 18,274 officers are remembered there.
This year's Wreathlaying Day will honor 17 officers from Maryland, Virginia, and several federal agencies who have died in the line of duty since the October 2007 Wreathlaying event. During the ceremony, Attorney General Mukasey and Ms. Thacker will pay tribute to the fallen officers, and surviving family members will place roses at the Memorials center medallion in honor of their loved ones.
The names of officers who have died in the line of duty during 2008 will be engraved on the Memorial next spring, and they will be officially dedicated during the 21st Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13, 2009.
For more information visit www.nleomf.org.