Events in Staunton to mark National Police Week

Did you know there has been a National Police Week since 1962, established by President Kennedy? In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week of May 15th, as National Police Week.

National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

This year we want our local Police and all Law Enforcement to know they are appreciated for the job they do.  A group of citizens are organizing several events throughout this week and are encouraging businesses and citizens to get involved and paint Staunton blue.

Local National Police Week events

Starting with a Vesper service on Sunday, May 15 at Gypsy Hill Park Gazebo.  This will be a very moving service honoring those serving, past service and our fallen officers including K-9’s.  Thursday, May 19 is Wear Blue Day.

Staunton city kindergarten – 2nd graders will be coloring pictures to be displayed downtown, older grades will be writing thank you notes, blue ribbons will be hung, posters displayed and free for businesses and citizens to hang in their front windows, blue light bulbs free to citizens to leave burning on their porches during this week, a window decoration contest between downtown merchants. Look for volunteers handing out blue lapel ribbons around town.

Join a celebration at the Sunspots Pavilion on Saturday, May 21.  The Sunspots celebration will include a K-9 demonstration, a visit with Safety Pup Sam and a Donut Eating Contest sponsored by Strite’s Donuts for public participation! Join in on the competition or come and cheer on those participating.

There will be four age brackets and prizes to the winners.   To enter the contest, please contact www.Churchdowntown.org/Donuts.

Please get involved to say thank you.  Here are a few ways you can…

1. Place a blue light bulb in your porch light for the week.
2. Hang a Free poster in your front window.
3. Place a blue ribbon in your yard or business.
4. Write a thank you note and mail to Staunton PD.
5. Send a letter to the editor thanking our Police and law enforcement.
6. See an officer out; buy their dinner or drink.
7. Attend the Vesper Service on Sunday May 15th in Gypsy Hill Park Gazebo 2pm – 3pm.
8. Take a treat by the station to one or more of the shifts.
9. Enter the Donut Eating contest on Saturday May 21st at the Sunspot’s Pavilion
10. Wear a blue label ribbon during National Police Week.
11. Wear blue on Thursday, May 19th to show your support.
12. If your business has a marque, put a “THANK YOU” on it for the week.

Posters and blue light bulbs will be available for FREE on Saturday, May 7 at the Farmers’ Market and during Kid’s Matter Day at the Gypsy Hill Park gymnasium. And during the week of May 9 at the following locations, Union Bank downtown branch, McDonough Toyota, Augusta Valley Animal Hospital and Leonard’s Buildings & Truck Accessories.

Donations are welcome to help with costs involved.  Make checks out to CPAAA (Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association) at 501c (3) non-profit organization.