JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. —
The 628th Security Forces Squadron is hosting a National Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony here May 15, 8 a.m. at the Air Base flag pole to kick-off their Police Week observance.
The National Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony will honor of peace officers who have lost their lives while in the line of duty and will include a reading of the names of fallen heroes, lowering of the U.S. flag to half-staff, a 21-gun salute and the playing of taps.
Scheduled speakers include Cpl. Kimber Gist, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, a decorated officer who was shot five times in 2016 and returned to duty to continue to serve and protect, and Col. Richard Mathews, 628th Mission Support Group commander.
The tradition of Police Week began on Oct. 1, 1962, when President Kennedy authorized the May 15 of each year as Peace Officer Memorial Day and the calendar week during which May 15 falls on as Police Week. This public law recognized the service given by Federal, State and Municipal Peace Officers who stand guard, day and night, in our midst to protect us through enforcement of our laws. In 1994, President Clinton directed the flag of the United States on all government buildings to be displayed at half-staff on May 15.
Media interested in attending the ceremony must RSVP with the JB Charleston media office at 628.abw.pa@us.af.mil no later than Sunday, May 14. Media attending the ceremony on May 15 must be at the Dorchester Gate no later than 7:30 a.m. to be escorted. A 628th Security Forces Squadron representative will be available for an interview after the ceremony.
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