Since 1962, National Police Week has commemorated fallen local, state, and federal peace officers on May 15. But due to the uncertainty around large gatherings following the outbreak of Covid-19, this year the event has been postponed until October.
Since Registration for National Police Week 2021 has begun, we wanted to share a little bit about each of the events that will take place throughout the week later this year. It is an incredibly important opportunity for survivors to connect and for all of us to honor our fallen heroes together. Here are all of the events taking place during National Police Week 2021 in Washington D.C., from October 12 – 17.
National Police Week 2021 Events
Blue Honor Gala – October 13
The 4th Annual Blue Honor Gala brings together current law enforcement officers, survivors, and peer supporters to honor and celebrate heroes together. There will be a shuttle between hotels and the event for safety. Guests will enjoy dinner and a live music performance.
Blue Family Brunch – October 14
The Blue Family Brunch is a new event for 2021. From 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. registered attendees will enjoy brunch at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center.
Candlelight Vigil – October 14
Part of the reason National Police Week is hosted in Washington, D.C. is because it is the location of The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall. Every year The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund presents a Candlelight Vigil where the fallen officers whose names were engraved on the Memorial Wall within the pervious year are formally dedicated. The vigil will include the lighting of candles, the reading of names, musical tributes, and speeches by dignitaries.
Survivor’s Conference – October 15
The National Police Survivors’ Conference is an opportunity for grieving families and co-workers to speak with mental health professionals, attend grief seminars designed to help with healing, and meet fellow survivors who create a community of support and understanding. The Survivor’s Conference for families and friends will be held at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and the Survivor’s conference for co-workers will be held at the DoubleTree Crystal City from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Kids Programs – October 15
While their parents attend the Survivor’s Conference, children, step-children and siblings who have lost a parent or sibling to a line-of-duty death can register to attend separate age-appropriate activities. They will have the opportunity to participate in both grief counseling sessions designed for their needs and fun social activities throughout the day. The program is available for ages Kindergarten-12th Grade and is held off-site at local law enforcement academies from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For children under 6 years old, there is also a daycare program at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Picnic on the Patio – October 15
After the conference, C.O.P.S. hosts a BBQ event with live music, dancing, bounce houses, photo booths, live animals, and other fun activities. Picnic on the Patio will take place from 6:00 – 9:00 PM at the Hilton Alexandria.
Memorial Service – October 16
To close out National Police Week 2021, the Fraternal Order of Police and its Auxiliary will host the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service for officers killed in the line of duty during 2020 and 2021. The event will take place at the U.S. Capitol at 12:00 p.m.
Register Now for National Police Week 2021
If you are a survivor who is grieving a line-of-duty death, National Police Week was designed to honor your loved one and help you on your healing journey. Register for National Police Week 2021 here, and join us this October as we remember the fallen together.
C.O.P.S. Arizona is dedicated to rebuilding shattered lives of survivors and co-workers affected by line of duty deaths. We offer programs and scholarships for survivors in our local Arizona chapter. For more information, visit https://www.copsarizona.org/.
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