Policing and Living in the 60's

John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States, in the midst of tense times, saw the men and women behind the badge as being people he could respect and should defend.

In 1962, America’s youngest President had wisdom beyond his years when he spoke up and chose to make:

• a day in May (usually May 15) specifically Peace Officer’s Memorial Day, a time to remember those who had died or been injured in the line of duty
• The days surrounding it as Police Week every year, a time to celebrate and salute those who continue to serve

​When this effort started, I was no where near being born. From what I can tell through research, living in the 60’s was a hotbed of tension and unrest.

In the season of “love and peace and hippies” things were not always joy filled enchanting moments. Instead, culture was alive with

• Racial tension beyond measure: segregation was still an issue
• Hatred towards Police Officers
• Riots and protests
• Crime and drug abuse
• and I’m sure much more

At a time when culture was often standing against Law Enforcement, President JFK took a stand. It is one thing to respect someone in your heart and it is another thing to use your bully-pulpit to publicly praise them and to lead boldly on their behalf in front of media cameras and other world leaders.

JFK drew a line in the sand when it came to Law Enforcement in 1962. He chose to stand in support of them and he started an initiative that even to this day the majority of Americans know nothing about.

JFK initiated Police Week in America. This year, May 12 - 18, 2024, America will celebrate our 62nd Police Week. If he could only see us now, I think he would say, “Americans, your job is just getting started. In fact friends, you’ve barely begun.”
Unless you are part of a Law Enforcement family, more than likely you never knew about Police Week. You are not alone.

If President Kennedy’s life had not been cut short by an assassin, more than likely this move would have grown over the course of his years in and following the White House. But with his death in 1963, he had not had long to weave it into the national fabric of our culture. So, unfortunately, it is an initiative that faded into the background of America. Until now. You and I can - and will - make the difference and let the nation know of this sacred season in May that is worth cherishing.

Even in the 60’s, when things were very tense, the safest move was probably for President Kennedy to just stay “politically correct” and avoid rocking the boat. However, I can only surmise, he must have launched this pro-Police effort because he saw the good of Law Enforcement even in a world where tensions abound. And he saw a group of people worth recognizing.

I couldn’t agree more.

Today, when an Officer being shot is too often, their resources are being cut, their recruitment is way down, their morale is low, and community-visible support is oftentimes non-existent, it is crucial that we follow in President Kennedy’s example.

It continues to take my breath away to consider that thousands of American men and women willingly go through the training, choose the profession, put on the badge and the uniform daily to run into danger to keep me safe, knowing it may cost them their very life. There are no words. I hope I will always stand in awe.

Doing our part to build local communities and cultures that celebrate the profession and salute those who serve in it (and their families) is not and will not be easy. And it might not always be convenient.

JFK - even in light of all that his country was facing - knew what was right, just like we do today: Law Enforcement are an essential part of a free and just society and we cannot abandon them. We must stand with them - year round. And Police Week is a great time to get started.

I hope you will join me in carrying President Kennedy’s torch of support for Law Enforcement during Police Week and every week of the year.

​America, our Police matter too much to forget, ignore, or overlook them. They need to see, hear and feel our love, respect and ongoing support. And we must start now.
You can read JFK’s proclamation in 1962 here. 

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P.S. Join our efforts in Michigan through my non-profit organization, Police Week Michigan. Or use some of the ideas and resources for your own efforts in your state. Email me with questions [email protected]