In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a bill into law recognizing May 15th as a day to honor law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty, and to show appreciation for all those working to combat crime throughout our country. The day is also part of National Police Week, which is celebrated annually in Washington, D.C. 

The Annual Candlelight Vigil was held on Saturday on the National Mall, and today the Annual National Police Officers’ Memorial Service was held on the West Front of the United States Capitol. The names of law enforcement officers who lost their lives in 2022 were read aloud at both events. These moving tributes commemorate those within a noble profession who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

In a proclamation commemorating this day, President Biden quoted an engraving on the National Law Enforcement Memorial that reads, “It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived.” I echo his sentiments that year-round we express our gratitude for the courageous women and men of our nation’s law enforcement community, and we honor the memory of the members who made the ultimate sacrifice and pray for their families.

To USDA’s Law Enforcement Officers, your dedication to our agency and our country is deeply appreciated. You are integral to ensuring the safety of our borders, our forests, our buildings and our employees, and you play a vital role in enforcing USDA policy. We honor the fallen and salute those who continue to stand with us to defend our families and communities.
 
Sincerely,

Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack

See this and other leadership announcements on OneUSDA.