Eleanor Holmes Norton: “House Concurrent Resolution 117 authorizes use of the Capitol Grounds for the 31st Annual National Peace Officers'…”

“House Concurrent Resolution 117 authorizes use of the Capitol Grounds for the 31st Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service on May 15 on the West Front of the Capitol, a solemn and respectful public event in our Nation's Capital honoring our heroic law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty in 2011. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, last year, 173 brave men and women were killed in the line of duty. Unfortunately, however, the number of officers killed in the line of duty increased 13 percent from 2010, with this year marking the first time in 14 years where more officers died from firearms-related incidents than from traffic-related incidents. Over 19,000 law enforcement officers have been killed while on duty since the first law enforcement death was recorded in 1791. The National Peace Officers' Memorial Service is a fitting tribute to the 900,000 current law enforcement officers and all Federal, State, and local peace officers who give their lives in the daily work of protecting our families, our homes, and our workplaces. We honor these officers and their families on the Capitol Grounds for both their service and the ultimate sacrifice that some pay to maintain peace in communities across America. Consistent with all Capitol Hill events, the memorial service will be free and open to the public.…”