WHEREAS, the safety and well-being of Virginians is important to the prosperity of Virginia’s families and communities; and

WHEREAS, law enforcement officers throughout our Commonwealth work tirelessly to protect and serve Virginians, enforce our laws, and keep our neighborhoods, schools, and families safe; and

WHEREAS, law enforcement officers report for duty every day with the knowledge of the dangers they may face and the sacrifices they may be called upon to make to safeguard the public and enforce the laws of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, we reflect upon the enduring commitment and valor of our state and local law enforcement officers, as their commitment to maintaining law and order in our communities ensures the safety and well-being of the citizens of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, it is vital that we pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who have fallen in the line of duty and recognize their sacrifices, as well as the hardship and loss suffered by the families of those fallen officers; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth Public Safety Memorial, located adjacent to the Patrick Henry Building in Richmond, stands as a profound tribute to nearly 1,000 Virginia public safety heroes who selflessly gave their lives in the line of duty and serves as a solemn and lasting reminder of their names and their courageous actions; and

WHEREAS, in 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed the first proclamation recognizing May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week, “to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and to voice our appreciation for those who currently serve on the front lines of the battle against crime;” and

WHEREAS, Virginia Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day are opportunities to honor the officers who have fallen in the line of duty, recognize the sacrifices made by the families of those officers, and the families of those who continue to protect and serve our communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize May 11-17, 2025, as VIRGINIA POLICE WEEK, and May 15, 2025, as PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call these observances to the attention of all of our citizens.