A list of Police Week events & experiences

 

This is a sponsored post from Thin Blue Line USA. All work is honest and my own.

My husband and I live pretty close to Washington, DC so that means we try to attend National Police Week every year. As a law enforcement family, it is a way for us to pay our respects to fallen officers and their families from the previous year. It is also a time to come together, as blue family, and show one another support and participate in events and experiences police related. Thousands of officers and their families travel from all across the Nation to attend Police Week during the second week in May.

National Police Week will be held this year from Sunday, May 14th to Saturday, May 20th, 2023. While events and experiences take place all week long, many occur during the first half of the week but other events are scheduled just before the start of Police Week. So it is best to check out the official schedule before making your travel arrangements as they add events and update it regularly.

My officer and I usually pick one day to drive in and attend a special ceremony or event. We try to vary what we go to each year so we can show our support in various ways. If you are traveling to DC for a few days then this list of events and ceremonies may help you decide which events are most important for you to attend.

 

 

So without further ado!

A list of National Police Week events and experiences:

 

Candlelight Vigil:

This beautifully orchestrated ceremony is the time to pay respect and mourn those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. It will be on Saturday, May 13th in the evening, just after sunset, and everyone is welcome to attend. Each attendee is given a small candle as you remember and honor the fallen. Reading of the names of those who will be added to the Memorial occurs directly after the ceremony. This year, if registered, you can watch the vigil via webcast.

 

Tent City:

“Tent City” is an area blocked off for police officers and their families to see police related vendors. There are literally hundreds of white pop-up tents with various accessories, merchandise and in the city center: a huge beer tent! This is more of a social gathering and a great way to find supportive gear!

We always stop by the Thin Blue Line USA tent as they have the largest selection of blue line merchandise. They carry anything from t-shirts to dog collars to flags that all reflect the thin blue line. They truly have something for everyone whether you are an officer, spouse, or just a supporter!

The best part is, they give back to law enforcement agencies throughout the nation. They support law enforcement officers and their families and their ultimate mission is to give back to those who put their lives on the line daily. Within the past three years, they have donated over $500,000 to law enforcement non-profits. Amazing, right?

If you can’t attend Police Week this year, no problem! Thin Blue Line USA is offering a 15% discount to our readers using the code: PROUD15.

 

Police Week 5k: 

The 5k and the Police Unity Tour usually kick off National Police Week. Anyone can run/walk this race to remember fallen officers. You can sign up and learn more about it by visiting www.nationalpoliceweek5k.com. You will see everyone in this race from officers to spouses to children who all support men and women in blue.

 

Police Unity Tour Arrival Ceremony:

Another kick-off event is when riders from all over the Nation ride into the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial. Riders sign up in advance through their agency or with a team and ride for a specific fallen officer from the previous year. They begin riding with their team from various cities and their final destination is Washington, DC the Saturday before Police Week begins. To learn more, go to www.policeunitytour.com.

 

There are many more events to check out, also. So be sure to check out the official Police Week Schedule here.

I can not thank all of our officers enough for what they do to protect and serve our communities. While National Police Week is only one week to recognize and remember the fallen, please know that we pray for you on a daily basis and our fallen officers are remembered and thought of daily. Your unwavering commitment, service and dedication will never go unnoticed. We also know that the sacrifices don’t stop with the officer. As spouses or family members of those in law enforcement we also thank you for your immense support!