Why is Our Flag at Half Mast Today?

May 15, 2020

The flag in front of Elkins City Hall is being flown at half mast today in honor of National Peace Officers Memorial Day.

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

According to the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, “since the first known line-of-duty death in 1786, more than 21,000 U.S. law enforcement officers have made the ultimate sacrifice.” So far in 2020, the organization reports that more than 40 law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty nationwide.

Please join us in expressing our appreciation for the law enforcement officers of the Elkins Police Department, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, the West Virginia State Police, and the multiple federal agencies who work so hard and make so many sacrifices for the protection of our community.