Val Demings: “In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 15 as National…”

“In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 15 as National Police Week. Established in 1962 by a joint resolution of this body, National Police Week pays special recognition to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. My home State of Florida, during 2020, lost 19 law enforcement officers, and we gather today to honor their memory and to thank them for their service. We thank all law enforcement officers across the Nation who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and we remember those who are out there patrolling our communities to keep us all safe. I want to thank my colleagues for joining us today to give honor to whom honor is due. Mr. Speaker, many have given much, but these men and women--our law enforcement officers--have given all. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. O'Halleran), who is a former law enforcement officer.”