Police Week 2015

EOW 5-16-1961

Every year on or about the 15th of May, we remember the fallen Police/ Peace officers. In 1962 the President of the United States, J. F. Kennedy sign a  proclamation that this day would be set aside to honor the fallen officers who gave their lives in service  in Law Enforcement. Today we refer to it as The National Peace Officers' Memorial Week. We set aside time in the week to remember and honor the fallen. In DC there are week long activities to help the children and families of the fallen both current and pass years

It is hard to do this in just one week. So through the year there are camps and other support group to assist in the coping of the loss. As an Survivor I can tell you how hard it is. As only a child of 7 when he was taken, I never thought about it. But once I was older and realize that he never saw my brother born, or saw us graduate from school, college, get married and see the great grandchildren born. It became clear how the sudden death by a criminal hand affect the family left behind.

I am grateful for the COPS and American Police Hall of Fame and Museum. Though them I have been able to be involved in activities and deal with the lost of love ones.

 My Mother was very involved in the FOP Aux and well as the Concerns of Police Survivors. She was in at the beginning of the COPS. Setting up chapters and assisting the fallen families in the Court and at home. I miss her in so many ways. However she prepared me to be a survivor and for that I am grateful.

Less we forget them so they did not die in vine but in service to their towns, states, counties  and country. In this day of unrest for the Police departments. Their jobs are get harder and harder to do. The Law seems to be for the criminal more than the people hurt or killed. Police/Peace Officers jobs are in jeopardy. However we still have dedicated  People who continue to service our Villages ,Towns and States. We will always remember the ones who gave their lives to Protect our Freedoms. Thank you for your service and In remembrance of the officers families.... We will always be there for the sacrifice  of your family.

In Memory of theFallen

Today is the start of Police Memorial Week. We are so blessed in this Country to have a Police Force made up of Men and Women who want to service our land. They sacrifice a lot for their jobs; Family time, Sometime Marriage, Sleep and most of all sometimes their Life. President John F Kennedy signed a Presidential Proclamation that set aside May 15 as National Peace Officers' Memorial Day. Each year now, for 25 years, Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S) has host a National Police Week. During this time all people come together to remember the fallen. There are Support groups for the families and Partners of the fallen Officers. Activities for the young, so they will know they are not alone in their grief. My mom was very active in this week. She was the President of Old Dominion C.O.P.S of Virginia, and later worked with the national C.O.PS Chapter.

In Titusville Florida there is a American Police Hall of Frame Museum(A.P.H.F.M). It has been there since 1960. I visited once with my Parents after my Grandfather was killed in the line of duty. His name was on the Wall of Fallen Offices. I remember that very well. Mom was so upset and as a child I just didn't understand. Now as an Adult I do! My Mom always wanted to go back there and place that one RED ROSE at his name. This Year I will be doing that, For Her and For Me. I leave on a Plane(which I am not fond of, since 911) tomorrow for a weekend of planned activities though the A.P.H.F.M.

A total of 18,661 Police officers have given their lives in our country. Last year we had 133 Killed in the line of duty. So this weekend and next week I will fly my Blue Ribbon in remembrance of the Fallen Officers. For their sacrifice was great.

the Above Photo is of My Grandfather,Killed in the line of Duty May 16th 1961

A Time 2 Remember the Fallen

ROBERT COURTLAND WASH
Detective
Norfolk, Virginia, P.D.
Norfolk, VA
Date of Death: 05/16/1961
Panel 20, E -16

This is my Grandfather. Every year in May we Honor the Fallen Officers. I live Near DC and have attended the memorial there. I see his name on the Wall and Remember All the time I could of had, taken away. By a man who we didn't know.
Been told I walk like him, think like him and now I only have childhood memories. He was murder when I was 6 year old. I did not even get to see him put to rest. We lived in Cincinnati Ohio. Airplanes were expensive. My parents managed to raise funds for them to go. My brothers and I stayed with friends. I was told the Streets were lined with People for miles. So many there wasn't room at the Church or the cemetery for them. My Grandfather was so loved.

When my mother,his daughter was here on earth. Each year she used to speak of Grandpa and kept him spirit alive. She opened a Concern of Survivors (C.O.P.S.)Chapter in the State of Virginia 20+ years ago. Her compassion for the survivors was great. If someone needed help she was there. Went to Court with them as they attended the trials. Set up activities for the Families. From Picnics, support groups, to Christmas parties complete with Santa Visits. Her life was dedicated to helping the ones left behind continue with life.

National Police Week Starts this year on May 13th in Washington DC. It is a time to remember the fallen. To mourn with the Survivors. To let the Nation know we Care and their deaths meant something for our Nation. If you are in the area plan to attend the Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Read the names on the Wall. For info email: vigil@nleomf.com or call 202-737-3400.
Towns across the United States will have Memorial services in May. Check your town. Plan to attend and show your support.

Robert C Wash's Wife is still living She is 91. Her memory of him is pretty good. Norfolk will have a service this year May 16th and She will be there. My uncle will also attend. He followed in Grandpa Steps. Grandpa would of been proud of him. Just think of all the surviving families of fallen officers and what they miss out on.

This Year will you remember the Survivors in May. Show you care by flying a blue ribbon. You can get "Fly The Blue" Ribbons by emailing; cops@nationalcops.org , or fax your request (573-346-1414), citing the number of ribbons and the mailing address where the ribbons should be sent(they are free). Display the ribbon the week of May10-16.