The Memorial Celebrates National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
As evening fell on Friday, January 9, the George Washington Masonic National Memorial was illuminated in blue in recognition of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
At exactly 5:30 p.m., dozens of Alexandria Sheriff’s Office and Alexandria Police Department police cruisers that were parked along the Memorial’s front drive activated their light bars and emergency strobe lights. Simultaneously, the building’s lights were activated in blue to show support for Alexandria’s law enforcement officers and Project Blue Light. Supporting this effort were the Alexandria Committee of Police Local 5, the Southern States Police Benevolent Association, the Alexandria Police Association and the Alexandria Sheriff’s Association.
“Because of the Memorial’s prominent location in Alexandria, this event was witnessed for miles around,” said Shawn Eyer, the Memorial’s Director of Communications. “It was a truly impressive display to promote community awareness of the sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel.”
Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) and the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) designated January 9, 2015 as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day to remind the public of the tremendous efforts law enforcement officers take to keep our communities safe. The FOP notes that on average between 105 and 203 officers die in the line of duty each year and that 50,000 officers are assaulted and 14,000 officers are injured annually in performance of their duties. Project Blue Light is a nationwide recognition of those Police Officers who have fallen in the line of duty.
