RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- KMC police units honor fallen comrades during National Police Week, May 11 to 17.

During the week, it is customary that police departments around the U.S. observe a moment of silence in unison. Also, black bands are worn around badges to honor fallen policemen, usually all week.

"The rest of the week traditionally consists of fundraising events for survivor families, social gatherings for policemen and their families, and education seminars for the general public on police activities, equipment and history," said Staff Sgt. Daniel Bilodeau, 435th Security Forces Squadron police services.

May 15 has been National Police Officers' Memorial Day since President John F.
Kennedy signed it into law Oct. 1, 1962.

President Bill Clinton signed and amended the Public Law which directs that the flag of the United States on all government buildings be displayed at half-staff May 15, National Peace Officers' Memorial Day.

"Today, National Police Week is a solemn period each year where every officer reflects
on those who have fallen," said Maj. Dave Dozier, 435th Security Forces Squadron commander.

Following are some events scheduled for National Police Week:

May 12: Golf tournament (for police officers) 

May 14: 5K fun run starts at 11 a.m. at the Vogelweh Fitness Center 

May 15: Final guardmount/wreath laying is 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the DV Ramp 3 

May 16: Equipment displays at Vogelweh Base Exchange courtyard is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

May 17: Parade in Vogelweh Housing starts at 10 a.m. at Armstrong's Club, heads down Arizona Boulevard. to Colorado Avenue, then right onto 4th Avenue, left on Connecticut Avenue to Delaware Loop, straight onto California Avenue to Arkansas Street en route back to Armstrong's Club to end 

May 17: Parade in Ramstein Housing starts at 11 a.m. at Donnelly Park, heading down Ohio Boulevard to New York Avenue, then right into the BX parking lot to the southeast corner where displays will be set up from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

(Courtesy of 435th Security Forces Squadron)