Dear Editor:

National Police Week, also known as National Law Enforcement Memorial Week, occurs each year during the week of May 15, and recognizes the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement. Established in 1962 by a joint Congressional resolution, 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. In 2008, Colorado lost one of its law enforcement officers, Nicholas Karl Heine of the Pueblo Police Department, on June 21 while in the line of duty.

You may notice blue ribbons pinned to citizens or flying from car antennas around town. The blue ribbons are reminders of law enforcement officers who have fallen and to honor the men and women who serve their communities 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year in and year out.

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The Aspen Elks Lodge is hosting a dinner for law enforcement officers and their families today at the lodge. We welcome the opportunity to show our appreciation for the dedication and personal sacrifices of our law enforcement officers in the Roaring Fork Valley and hope that many officers and their families will be able to attend.

Please consider saying thank you to an officer in your community during National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Week, May 10-16.

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Jackie Lothian and Rebecca Hodgson

Americanism Committee co-chairs, Aspen Elks Lodge #224