Police Saluting to the National Anthem
Police Saluting
National Police Week kicked off with recognition by both Attorney General Merrick Garland and Acting United States Attorney Mark J. Lesko, with both officials speaking primarily about officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
“This week is a time to honor our law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” Garland said in a press release. “I am constantly inspired by the extraordinary courage and dedication with which members of law enforcement act each day, putting their lives on the line to make our communities safer.”
Garland also stressed his support not just for the officers, but their families too.
“To members of law enforcement and your families: we know that not a single day, nor a single week, is enough to recognize your service and sacrifice,” Garland said. “On behalf of the entire Department of Justice, you have our unwavering support and eternal gratitude.”
In a separate press release, Lesko had the same sentiment, but focused on officers in NYC and the surrounding areas.
“The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York is deeply grateful to the brave men and women of law enforcement who risk their lives every tour of duty to keep us safe, especially during the challenges posed over the past year by the pandemic,” stated Lesko. He added:
“This week, and always, we will remember those who have sacrificed so much, including NYPD Highway Police Officer Anastasios Tsakos, who was killed by an alleged drunk driver on the Long Island Expressway this month, and Suffolk County Police Officer Christopher Racioppo, who was stabbed and nearly bled to death while heroically grappling with an alleged drunk driver in Patchogue in April. Please remember them and their families who have also suffered.”
Despite the losses police have suffered, Mayor Bill de Blasio praised the 850 new officers who joined the NYPD recently, hoping they will improve relations with the public, in a press conference Tuesday.
“That’s going to help us a lot as we get ready for the summer,” de Blasio said. “I think the size of the NYPD is the right size now. And I think that’s what we should do going forward. Take the size of the NYPD we have now, double down on neighborhood policing and precision policing, re-bond the NYPD with communities which we see a lot of already.”
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day, which falls on May 15, and National Police Week which occurs that entire week, remembering and honoring law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices.
394 fallen officers that were added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on May 13 during a Virtual Candlelight Vigil, which will be livestreamed to the public at 8 p.m. EDT. In-person public events were rescheduled due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns to Oct 13-17, 2021.
Those who wish to view the vigil on May 13 can watch it here, and more information on National Police Week can be found here.
