HOUSTON – The Houston Police Department will observe National Police Week Monday, May 14 through Friday, May 18.
The purpose is to increase the public's awareness of the role of police officers.
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This year's activities include, a ceremony breakfast, a day of prayer, an annual memorial service, pre-scheduled tours and demonstrations to Houston-area school children at the Houston Police Academy.
During Police Week, citizens are encouraged to drive with their headlights on in remembrance of those who have died in the line of duty.
The public is invited to attend the day of prayer and annual memorial service.
The HPD Police and Clergy Alliance will host a day of prayer at 10 a.m.on May 16, at HPD Headquarters at 1200 Travis.
The annual memorial service will be held on May 18 at 7 p.m., at the Houston Police Officers Memorial site to honor those officers who have died in the line of duty. A procession of police officers will walk down Memorial Drive beginning at 7 p.m. There will be a candlelight vigil, a roll call of deceased officers, a 21-gun salute, the playing of TAPS and a fly-over by HPD helicopters.
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation that designated May 15 as "Peace Officer's Memorial Day" and the week in which the date falls as "Police Week."