The 22nd Annual Blue Mass was held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday to mark the beginning of National Police Week.
This year, Police Week officially runs from May 15-21 with some events -- including the Blue Mass, LawRide, Unity Tour arrival and the Candlelight Vigil -- occurring in the days prior.
The noon mass attracted hundreds of law enforcement officers, survivors and parishioners as those who lost their lives in the line of duty are remembered.
Before the mass, officers and public safety officials gathered outside the church for a solemn processional inside. Units from federal, state, and local jurisdictions -- including mounted units and pipe and drum corps -- gathered in formation to pass under a huge American flag hung over the street by two fire ladder trucks.
Reverend Monsignor Salvatore Crisuolo presided over the annual mass, which included the playing of "Taps" in memory of the law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the past year.
