When you see the U.S. and Illinois flags lowered today, be aware that they are lowered in memory of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. May 15th is National Peace Officers' Memorial Day.
According to this website (http://www.nationalcops.org/), "Public Law 87-726, signed by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, was amended by the 103rd Congress as part of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. President Bill Clinton signed Public Law 103-322 which directs that the flag of the United States on all Government buildings be displayed at half-staff on May 15, National Peace Officers' Memorial Day."
The work of police officers has become more dangerous over the years. Respect for cops has dropped, and greater numbers of people are willing to violate laws, whether traffic, crimes against property, or crimes against persons. The criminals often (illegally) have high-powered weapons. There is no longer any such thing as a "routine" traffic stop.
When you see the flags lowered to half-staff on Thursday, May 15, pause and remember those who died in the line of duty. And think of those today who live the motto, "To Protect and To Serve."
© 2008 GUS PHILPOTT
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