National Police Week 2026: Nation Remembers Fallen Officers in D.C.

From the Candlelight Vigil on the National Mall to honor guard ceremonies and pipeband marches, National Police Week centers on remembrance, respect and national reflection. Check out the schedule of events.

What to know

  • National Police Week 2026 in Washington, D.C., honors law enforcement members nationwide and remembers officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
  • The week’s centerpiece, the 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil, will be held Wednesday on the National Mall and livestreamed nationally.
  • Events throughout the week include memorial ceremonies, honor guard tributes, processions, vigils and professional sports partnerships raising funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

Here's a look at the other activities scheduled during Police Week. Go to the website for the week's events for more information and a complete schedule of activities:

MONDAY, MAY 11

National Police K-9 Memorial: Law enforcement dogs that have risked and given their lives for their agencies and communities will be honored in a ceremony at 1 p.m. at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in D.C.

TUESDAY, MAY 12

Police Unity Tour Ride-In and Ceremony: Bikers participating in the tour will start arriving at 2 p.m. at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The bicycle tour spans the United States and pays tribute to fallen law enforcement members. 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13

38th Annual Candlelight Vigil: The event on the National Mall is open to the public, and registration is not required for general admission

THURSDAY, MAY 14

National Police Week Honor Guard Tribute: North American law enforcement organizations honor guards perform ceremonious and patriotic tributes will run from 9 a.m. to around 4 p.m. at the U.S. Capitol Reflecting Pool. Go to the event's website for more information.

31st Annual Pipeband Memorial March: Beginning in 1995, the march includes a procession of pipebands, Emerald Societies, honor guards, antique police cars and motorcycles from the U.S. and Canada. It runs from 6 to 8 p.m.

Police Week Patio Happy Hour: Active and retired first responders, as well as military personnel with a valid ID will receive a 15% discount on most items during a special event from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Hard Rock Cafe. Police merchandise also will be available, and a portion of the proceeds benefiting the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Go to the Hard Rock Cafe's website for more information.

FRIDAY, MAY 15

Stand Watch for the Fallen: Honor guards will stand watch in 10-minute intervals from noon to midnight at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial to remember fallen law enforcement officers.

Washington Nationals Police Week Offer: Specially priced tickets for The Washington Nationals' games against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday and Saturday will donate $5 to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. First pitch for the games are 6:45 p.m. Friday and 4:05 p.m. Saturday at Nationals Park. Go to the offer's website for more information.

SATURDAY, MAY 16

D.C. United First Responders Night: The DC United soccer team will be holding a special night for police and first responders during National Police Week. The 7:30 p.m. game against St. Louis City Soccer Club at Audi Field will have special ticket packages that will donate $5 to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum. Go to the offer's website for more information.

About the Author

Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.
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