VIRGINIA CITY - The 4th Annual Police Memorial Week Parade will take place on Saturday, May 4, at noon in Virginia City. The event pays tribute to those officers killed in the line of duty while celebrating the law enforcement profession.
During the month of May of each year, an annual tradition known as Police Week is set aside to honor those persons in law enforcement and to pay tribute and give honor to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, their life in the line of duty.
Throughout history, communities have come together for parades to celebrate various events or holidays. One of the most visible representations in all parades is that of law enforcement, generally tasked with crowd control, leading the procession, and in formal participation. Few parades are dedicated to the law enforcement profession and Virginia City is the only one known in the West.
The tradition of parading law enforcement in recognition of the profession, and in remembrance of officers having laid their lives down for their communities, is carried on each May in Virginia City. The event is presented by the Silver State National Peace Officers Museum, established in 2007 and opened in 2009 in the historic Comstock mining community.
This unique parade brings representation of law enforcement agencies from throughout Nevada as well as California. Enjoy bagpipers, drummers, color guards and honor guards, as well as those appearing to walk out of the past in period western lawman garb along with vintage uniforms.
Officers on horseback, motorcycles and various current law enforcement vehicles represent many area agencies. Viewers will also enjoy many restored vintage police cars, fire engines, and other emergency vehicles lining up in celebration of those who maintain the public's safety.
The parade grand marshal for this year's parade is Soledad, Calif., Police Sgt. Tom Marchese. Marchese is the leading force behind the FALLEN Project, a feature length documentary on the increasing trend and impact of assaults and deaths officers while performing their sworn duties.
The museum features a spectacular walk through the history of U.S. law enforcement with artifacts dating back to 1718. Situated inside the historic 1876 Storey County Jail, a visit offers the Hall of History, Kids Station, Memorial Room and photo opportunities for the whole family.
EVERY 53 HOURS - This moving video production reveals the tremendous emotional impacts of line of duty deaths to families and co-workers and features local survivors. www.PeaceOfficersMuseum.org for details. It was produced by the museum with support from local memorials.
Contact the Silver State National Peace Officers Museum at (775) 847-7800, or the museum website www.PeaceOfficersMuseum.org for additional information.
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