Governor Youngkin announced on Sunday that all flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia would be flown at half-staff on all state and local buildings and grounds throughout the state in honor of “Peace Officers Memorial Day.
In a statement, the governor writes:
“In accordance with the authority vested in me as Governor, I hereby order that the flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia be flown at half-staff on all state and local buildings and grounds in the Commonwealth of Virginia in respect and memory of Peace Officers Memorial Day,”
Yesterday, we held the inaugural law enforcement remembrance. Every year during #NationalPoliceWeek we will come together and commemorate the sacrifice of Virginia’s law enforcement heroes who have laid down their lives to protect those they served. pic.twitter.com/o1xO4VzTPc
— Governor Glenn Youngkin (@GovernorVA) May 13, 2022
The proclamation comes in line with an announcement from the white house, which declared not only that May 15 was Peace Officers Memorial Day, but also announced it as May 15 through May 21, 2022, as Police Week.
In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
During Police Week, let us demonstrate our appreciation for the unsung heroes who nobly wear the badge and put their lives at risk to protect people each and every day. Let us honor the brave officers whose bright futures were cut short in the line of duty. Let us come together to help police be the partners and protectors our communities and our Nation need for a safer, more just America.
The flags in Virginia were lowered at sunrise on Sunday, May 15, 2022, and remained at half-staff until sunset. Stay tuned to The Republican Standard for any more celebrations of police officers during Police Week, 2022.