NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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SAULT STE. MARIE, MICH - The Upper Peninsula Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony will be held in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich this year. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at the James Norris Event Center at Lake Superior State University, 650 West Easterday Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.
Prior to the ceremony starting, there will be a procession of patrol vehicles through downtown Sault Ste. Marie to the Norris Center. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. in the Taffy Abel Arena and will last for approximately one hour.
This year's event is hosted by law enforcement agencies in Chippewa County and Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. The purpose is to honor fallen state, local, county, conservation and correction officers who have died in the line of duty.
The roll call will include officers who have died in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, those from Wisconsin counties bordering Michigan and those from Canadian agencies bordering the Upper Peninsula.
The ceremony also pays honor to the survivors of these officers and serves as a tribute to all peace officers that serve and protect their communities every day.
The history of Project Blue Ribbon began in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy proclaimed the week of May 15, "National Police Week" and designated May 15, "National Police Officers Memorial Day".
The law enforcement agencies of Chippewa County and Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. and its members have selected May 18, 2017 as a day to hold solemn tribute to peace officers and their families.
The public is invited to attend the ceremony.
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