Dear Mr. Chairman and Representatives Larsen, Perry and Stanton,
The National Fraternal Order of Police will be hosting the 45th Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on Friday, 15 May 2026. We are requesting the use of the Capitol grounds for this solemn event, which is usually attended by more than 25,000 officers, family members, and friends.
This year, the hundreds of Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2025 will be honored at our National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service. The families left behind by these officers deserve the opportunity to come together, share their grief, and begin to heal with the rest of their law enforcement family.
To this end, we respectfully request the introduction of a Concurrent Resolution to permit the National Fraternal Order of Police to use the Capitol Grounds for the purpose of staging and holding the Memorial Service. It is anticipated that setup will take place starting on Thursday, 7 May 2026. We will begin to strike the event area at the conclusion of the Memorial Service. However, should we encounter any issues, the takedown will be completed promptly on Sunday, 17 May 2026. We further request that the U.S. Capitol Police Honor Guard be permitted to display a Firing Party Salute to honor the brave men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Additionally, we are requesting the use of Capitol Grounds, between the Capitol Reflecting Pool and 3rd Street, for the annual Fraternal Order of Police National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition as well as the Historic Police Vehicle Display on Thursday, 14 May 2026. During the Exhibition, law enforcement officers from around the country will exhibit their ability to demonstrate Honor Guard programs, along with a bagpipe exhibition. We anticipate that setup will begin on Friday, 8 May.
The Fraternal Order of Police and its Auxiliary will work closely with the U.S. Capitol Police and the U.S. Capitol Police Board to address all issues related to security and logistics.
On behalf of the more than 382,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I thank you for your many years of support for this event and hope we can count on all of you again. If you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President