Since 1883, an official police presence has existed in the United States. The number has increased since then to over 18,000 policing units dotting the nation. These brave men and women provide a line of defense and help in times of emergencies and other threats to public safety. These everyday people serve in extraordinary ways and have stirred the gratitude of millions.
An official declaration of thanks occurred in 1962, when President John F. Kennedy instituted National Police week. May 15th was designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in while that date falls as Police Week. The attention this official day brought eventually popularized The Blue Line Flag.
It wasn’t until the 1970s that the posting of the black and white American flag with a blue stripe became a popular method of remembering those whose purpose it is to protect and defend. Each color reflects the officer’s willingness to serve.
The Blue represents the officer and the courage they find deep inside when faced with insurmountable odds. The Black background was designed as a constant reminder of our fallen brother and sister officers. The Line is what police officers protect, the barrier between anarchy and a civilized society, between order and chaos, between respect for decency and lawlessness. Together they symbolize the camaraderie law enforcement officers all share, a brotherhood like none other.
Those who have strong ties with police offers and especially those who have lost a friend or loved one in the line of duty, recognize National Police Week and resonate with the meaning of The Blue LIne Flag. Check out tomorrow’s blog to read more, in this special two-day publication, featuring the personal accounts of a grandson, a mother, and a brother who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
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