In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as "Police Week".  Every year since, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The Memorial Service began as a gathering in Senate Park of approximately 120 survivors and supporters of  law enforcement.  Twenty one years later, the event, more commonly known as "National Police Week", has grown to a series of events which attracts thousands of survivors and law enforcement officers to our Nation's Capital each year.

National Police Week draws in between 25,000 to 40,000 attendees.  The attendees come from departments thoughout the United States as well as from agencies thoughout the world.  This provides a unique opportunity to meet others that share a common brotherhood.  In that spirit, the Fraternal Order of Police DC Lodge #1 sponsors receptions each afternoon and evening during Police Week.  These events are open to all law enforcement personnel and are an experience unlike any other.