PURCELLVILLE, Va. May 15, 2017— The flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia are to be flown at half-staff over the state Capitol and all local, state, and federal buildings and grounds in the Commonwealth of Virginia in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Peace Officers Memorial Day was created on October 1, 1961. At that time, Congress asked the president to designate May 15 as a day to honor peace officers. On October 1, 1962, John F. Kennedy signed the bill into law. In 1994, Bill Clinton made an amendment through Public Law 103-322 that directed the United States flag be flown at half-staff on May 15. This day is dedicated to honor officers that made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while protecting their community.
