Today, co-chairs of the bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus, Reps. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) and Dave Reichert (R-WA) sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting the President illuminate the White House in blue on the night of May 15, 2017 in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day. Blue lights are traditionally used as a symbol of recognition and appreciation of law enforcement.

“This year, nearly 400 new names will be inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, including the 139 officers who were killed in 2016,” the lawmakers wrote. “The total number of names on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial will increase this year to more than 21,000, dating back to the first known officer fatality in 1791. On average, one law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty somewhere in the United States every 58 hours.”

Read the full text of the letter below or click here.

Dear Mr. President:

As co-chairs of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, we respectfully request that you illuminate the White House in blue on the night of May 15, 2017 in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day. This is an important show of support for the law enforcement community. It is also an opportunity to honor the more than 21,000 officers who have given their lives while serving their communities.

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week. 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.

This year, nearly 400 new names will be inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, including the 139 officers who were killed in 2016. The total number of names on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial will increase this year to more than 21,000, dating back to the first known officer fatality in 1791. On average, one law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty somewhere in the United States every 58 hours.

A Federal law enacted in 1994 authorizes the American flag to be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day as a richly deserved tribute to our nation’s fallen officers and their families. Illuminating the White House in blue on May 15th of this year would be a fitting complement to this great honor and an important show of support for the men and women who are serving and protecting our great nation. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Dave Reichert (R-WA)

Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ)