This week, from May 10-17, is the 40^th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Week.

This week has a lot of historical significance.

On October 1, 1962, U.S. President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726, a joint resolution of the 87^th Congress, designating May 15^th as Peace Officers Memorial Day. This Day was meant to honor federal, state, and municipal peace officers who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty.

30 years later, in 1994, U.S. President Bill Clinton signed Public Law 103-322, a joint resolution of the 103^rd Congress, directing that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff on all government buildings on May 15^th of every year.

Today, the calendar week in which May 15^th falls is called Police Memorial Week.

Police Memorial Week is a time when our community can honor and reflect on the sacrifices our law enforcement makes to protect and serve our region. It is a time to pay tribute to those taken from us far too soon.

So today I would like to thank all those who have served or are currently serving, including District 1 Councilman Patrick Kelly, who served as a Police Officer with the Westlake Police Department until his retirement in 2005.

Thank you for your service and for making a difference in the lives of our residents. And for those no longer with us: we will never forget your sacrifice.