National Police Week 2026: Watch Candlelight Vigil Remembering Fallen Officers

Over 300 names of fallen law enforcement officers were read during the 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. 

The ceremony included the names of 109 officers who were killed in the line of duty last year. The emotional event, which is the centerpiece of National Police Week activities in D.C.,drew thousands of people, who will light candles in honor of fallen officers.

The vigil will run from 8 to 10 p.m. (all times Eastern) and will be livestreamed on YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn.

National Police Week's history goes back to 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. The memorial service began in 1982 and its growth over the decades is bittersweet; while the outpouring of support is inspiring, it's still heartbreaking to see the number of fallen officers grow. 

Go to the Police Week website for the week's events for more information and a complete schedule of activities.