Description

The Old Independence Regional Museum will host a ceremony in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day on Friday, May 15, 2026, beginning at 1:30 p.m. The public is invited to join in commemorating law enforcement officers who have fallen in the line of duty from the twelve counties that once comprised Old Independence County.

The museum will welcome two guest speakers, along with a keynote address from Leslie Rutledge, Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas. Representatives from each county will read the names of their fallen officers and Elliott Andrews will offer a prayer in their memory. The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission Honor Guard will host a flag demonstration during a bagpipe ceremony.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as Police Week. This observance honors officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, as well as those who continue to serve and protect their communities with dedication and courage.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., features the names of more than 21,000 officers who have been killed in the line of duty. Each year, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

This ceremony offers time to reflect on the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers, past and present. In this moment of remembrance, the community is invited to stand together in gratitude and respect.

Community support helps make these programs possible. To become a member, donate, or learn about volunteer opportunities, please contact the museum at (870) 793-2121 or visit oirm.org. Contributions help fund new exhibits and educational programming.