In Memory of those who gave the
ultimate sacrifice
May 15, Each Year
87TH Congress of the United States of
America
H.J. Res. 730
October 1, 1962
Public Law 87-726
Joint Resolution
76 Stat.676.
To authorize the President to proclaim May 15 of each year as Peace Officers Memorial
Day and the calendar week for each year during which such May 15 occurs as Police Week.
Whereas the police officers of America have worked
devotedly and selflessly in behalf of the people of this Nation regardless of the peril or
hazard to themselvesves: and
Whereas these officers have safeguarded the lives and property of
their fellow Americans; and
Whereas by the enforcement of our laws, these same officers have
given our country internal freedom from fear of the violence and civil disorder that is
presently affecting other nations;
Whereas these men and women by their patriotic service and their
dedicated efforts have earned the gratitude of the Republic:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the
Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress
Assembled, That the President is authorized and requested to issue
proclamations(1) designating May 15 of each year as Peace
Officers Memorial Day in honor of the Federal, State, and municipal officers who
have been killed or disabled in the line of duty, (2) designating in each year the
calendar week during which such May 15 occurs as Police Week, in
recognition of the service given by the men and women who, night and day, stand guard in
our communities and the people of the United States to observe such day and week with
appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Approved October 1, 1962.
John F. Kennedy
President of the United States
A Part of America Died
Someone killed a policeman today and a
part of America Died,
A piece of our country he swore to protect, will be buried with him at his side
The suspect that shot him will stand up in court, with counsel demanding his rights,
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids and spend many long lonely nights.
The beat that he walked was a battlefield too, just as if he'd gone off to war,
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast, to his name they will add a gold
star.
Yes, somebody killed a policeman today in your hometown or in mine,
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors, a cop puts his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street and he stands at each new rookies side,
He answers the call, of himself gave his all, and a part of America Died.
The Police Memorial
Richmond, Virginia
In Memory of John W. Buckley
Arlington County Police Department
April 15, 1977
In Memory of Karen J. Bassford
Fairfax County Police Department
July 27, 1977
Arlington Coalition of Police, Local 48, IUPA,
presents wreath on behalf of Arlington's slain officers
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