Thousands of police and their supporters are expected in Washington, D.C. this week to celebrate National Police Week and honor officers who have died in the line of duty.
The Fraternal Order of Police, Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) and other organizers will observe National Police Week with memorials, conferences and other activities between May 11 and May 16.
President Obama is expected to sign an order directing flags across the country to be flown at half-mast for Peace Officers Memorial Day, which is observed every year on May 15. (National Police Week officially begins the week after Peace Officers Memorial Day, but many commemorations are happening this week.)
More than 25,000 people will convene to commemorate fallen officers, according to the Fraternal Order of Police, which organizes several events.
Here is the day-by-day guide of happenings this week -- including a guide to Saturday morning road closures.
Ongoing Events
Fraternal Order of Police DC Lodge #1 Events: Friday, May 13 until Sunday, May 15, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
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Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
Every day, the Fraternal Order of Police DC Lodge #1 (711 4th Street, NW) will open at 11 a.m. with drinks, food, music and vendors that last until 2 a.m.
Thursday, May 12
Police Unity Tour Arrival Ceremony: 2 p.m.
Officers from several states, including New Jersey and Virginia, will arrive in D.C. by bike after riding hundreds of miles. The arrival ceremony will be held outside the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (E Street between 4th and 5th St, NW) at 2:00 p.m.
In 2015, the ride raised nearly $2 million for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
Friday, May 13
28th Annual Candlelight Vigil: 8 p.m.
This year, 35 law enforcement officers have been killed, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Thousands are expected to honor the fallen officers on the National Mall between 4th and 7th Streets NW.
Saturday, May 14
15th Annual National Honor Guard Competition and Pipe Band Competition: 8 a.m.
Honor guards and pipe and drum bands from across the country will converge on on the Capitol grounds to play music, pay tribute to law enforcement and compete for first place. The competition will be held west of the Capitol Building, near the Ulysses S. Grant statue, on First Street SW between Pennsylvania Avenue NW and Maryland Avenue SW.
Annual National Police Week 5K: 9 a.m.
Officers and supporters will run or walk near the National Mall to raise funds for the Officer Down Memorial Page and Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.). Registration is closed, but you can still watch the 5K along the race route.
Many streets will be closed for the event. See below for a full list.
22nd Annual Emerald Society & Pipeband March and Service: March begins at 6 p.m.
Pipe Bands and Honor Guards will march from New Jersey Avenue NW and F Street NW to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (E St NW, Washington, DC between 4th and 5th Street NW).
National Police Survivors’ Conference: 9 a.m.
Surviving family members of fallen officers -- including kids and teenagers -- and their coworkers can register for this conference, which aims to connect survivors and foster coping skills. Registration is closed for the conference.
Sunday, May 15 -- National Peace Officers Day
35th Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service: 11 a.m.
Officers, families and supporters will gather on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building to honor fallen officers. The service will honor over 20,000 officers who have died doing their duty since the earliest years of the United States.
Many streets will be closed for the Annual National Police Week 5K: E Street NW will be closed between 3rd Street and 5th Street NW between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m., according to the D.C. police.
Several other roads will be affected between 8:45 a.m. and 10 a.m.:
- 5th Street NW from H Street to E Street NW
- 4th Street NW from H Street to E Street NW
- 4th Street SW from Jefferson Drive to D Street SW
- 3rd Street NW from H Street to D Street SW
- G Street NW from 6th Street to 3rd Street NW
- F Street NW from 6th Street to 3rd Street NW
- E Street NW from 6th Street to 2nd Street NW
- Indiana Ave NW from 5th Street to 2nd Street NW
- C Street NW from 6th Street to 3rd Street NW
- Pennsylvania Ave NW from 7th Street to 3rd Street NW
- Constitution Ave NW from 7th Street to Louisiana Ave NW
- Madison Drive NW from 4th Street to 3rd Street NW
- Jefferson Drive SW form 4th Street to 3rd Street SW
- Independence Ave SW from 7th Street to Washington Ave SW
- C Street SW from 6th Street to 3rd Street SW
