To honor these heroes, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments hosted the 19th Annual Corrections Officers Wreath Laying Ceremony and Honor Guard Competition on Saturday, May 1, at the Memorial grounds. The ceremony helped to kick off National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, which runs immediately before National Police Week, from May 2-8. Following the wreath laying ceremony, honor guard units from corrections departments in DC, Maryland and Virigina competed, with the U.S. Coast Guard serving as judges.
Craig W. Floyd, Chairman & CEO of the Memorial Fund, was the guest speaker at the ceremony. He somberly read a roll call of corrections officers who recently died in the performance of duty, while officers marched to the center medallion and placed a single rose there. After each name was read, a bell chimed, and at the end of the roll call, white doves were released into the skies above the Memorial as a symbolic tribute to the fallen heroes.
"Today, the words inscribed on this Memorial ring out, “In valor there is hope.” As long as there are men and women among us willing to put their lives at risk for the safety and security of others, there is indeed great hope for the future of this nation, and the future of our children. May God bless all of our nation’s corrections professionals for what they do each and every day to keep America safe."
Read his full remarks here.
So proud of the fallen Officers. They died doing what they wanted to do whether they worked in a prison, jail, on patrol etc.. That was their calling and they did it to the best of their ability. They will always be in my heart and their families will always be in my prayers. RIP my brothers and sisters. You are gone, but will NEVER be forgotten!
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