"Blue Mass" Honors Police Killed In The Line Of Duty - Washington, D.C.

"Blue Mass" Honors Police Killed In The Line Of Duty - Washington, D.C., a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.

Members of the D.C. Police Department Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Band play their instruments outside of St. Patrick Church after the 'Blue Mass' to mark the beginning of National Police Week in Washington, D.C. The name of the Mass comes from the "blue" color of their uniforms. I attended this special Mass where police officers prayed for their fallen comrades and for their own safety in the line of duty.

The week of May 15 transforms Washington, D.C. into one of the safest cities in the world. Why? Because National Police Week, which occurs each year during the week in which May 15 falls, recognizes the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on the nation's capitol to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

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Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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