During National Police Week, which begins May 15, Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) will promote "Fly the Blue," which encourages law officers and the public to tie blue ribbons to vehicle antennas as a reminder that many law enforcement officers have paid the ultimate price and given their lives in the line of duty.

It is also to honor those officers who serve and protect our communities every day, year in and year out, putting their lives on the line for us, the citizens of those communities.

C.O.P.S. initiated this annual public awareness campaign in 1995 to educate Americans about the significance of police week and Peace Officers' Memorial Day. As part of this public awareness campaign, hundreds of thousands of blue ribbons imprinted with the C.O.P.S. logo are mailed each year.

Law enforcement personnel are encouraged to tie blue ribbons to cruiser antennas. Citizens are encouraged to tie blue ribbons to their car antennas during National Police Week to show support for their local law enforcement officers and the sacrifices made by law enforcement families nationwide.

Any strip of royal blue ribbon tied to a car antenna during Police Week is an appropriate salute to the men and women who, night and day, stand guard in our communities. Feel free to "fly the blue" all year long.

Mariah Hughes is the chief executive for Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.).