Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring American Samoa’s police, highlighting National Police Week (May 14-20), and recognizing National Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15).

“I want to express great appreciation and admiration for our police and other law enforcement officers, here in American Samoa, throughout the nation, and at the U.S. Capitol,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Our society depends on honorable and dedicated police officers that protect and serve, and respond urgently to accidents, emergencies or threats.”

“Peace Officers Memorial Day specifically commemorates those who gave their lives in the line of duty,” Amata continued. “Over the years, our own people have lost brave officers here in American Samoa and on the mainland. Thank you to all our law enforcement officers, and those who have previously served is this respected capacity.”

HISTORY

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and Congress that year established National Police Week through a joint resolution. In Washington, D.C., the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum holds an annual Candlelight Vigil for fallen officers. The Memorial was dedicated in 1991, and currently has the names of more than 22,000 officers carved into the walls, as names are added yearly in conjunction with National Police Week.