May 15. Flags are at half-staff today in honor of National Peace Officers Memorial Day. Each year on May 15, the nation recognizes the many men and women of law enforcement who lost their lives or were injured in the line of duty.

Quotable

“Today, we honor the memories and sacrifices of brave law enforcement officers in North Carolina. We owe a deep debt of gratitude to those who risk their own safety to protect our communities,” said NC Gov. Roy Cooper.

Background

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week.