Peace Officer Memorial Day: Have You Said Thank You?

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund website, May 15 was proclaimed National Peace Officers Memorial Day by President John F. Kennedy. It takes place during National Police Week, which was reported established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962. It's a time meant to recognize police who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

In University City, the wounds from the last officer killed in the line of duty are still fresh. Sgt. Michael King was killed Oct. 31, 2008, while on patrol in the Delmar Loop and his killer wasn't sentenced until 2011.

Last year, the STL Crane Project honored the 133 area first responders killed in the line of duty over the past 53 years with 1,000 paper cranes. 

Susan King, the widow of Sgt. King, opened the ceremony by talking about the origins of the project. A Japanese girl in the 1950s stricken with leukemia made 1,000 origami cranes to receive a prayerful wish.

University City Police Department has four names on the STL Crane Project list of fallen officers. They are:

• Sgt. Michael King — Oct. 31, 2008
• Francis Graham — Feb. 22, 1976
• James Boevingloh — Jan. 23, 1970
• William Downey — Dec. 12, 1969

The 2013 Crane Project will be held Aug. 3 in Forest Park, according to the organization's web site.

The 36th annual Uniform Day Memorial Ceremony was held Friday in Clayton to honor those who serve in St. Louis County.

Are you doing anything special Wednesday to commemorate the national day of recognition? Is there a law enforcement officer you think deserves to be recognized for his or her service?

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