Corrections_Today_May_June_2023_Vol.85_No.3

M ay 6, 2023 dawned as a bright and sunny morning in the Nation’s Capital. It was the day when a wide variety of correctional employees, sheriff deputies and government officials gathered at the National Law Enforcement Of ficers Memorial to pay tribute

deserves. It is appropriate that we honor the many contri butions and accomplishments of these men and women who are a vital component of the field of corrections.” In 1996, Congress expanded National Correction Of ficers Week to include all correctional employees, giving a long overdue “Thank You”

to all correctional officers and to mark a remembrance for those correctional officers who we have lost over the past year. Since a Presidential Proc lamation made it official in 1984, the first week in May has been designated as a time to honor the work and the sacrifices of America’s correc tional officers and employees. This week, known as National Correction Officers Week, was first created by President Ronald Reagan who said

to all the women and men who serve by working in corrections. The 31 st Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony, organized by the Metropolitan Washing ton Council of Governments and the COG Corrections Chiefs Committee, was hosted by Jim Handly, the anchor of News4 at 11 since 2016 who began by telling the assem bled crowd: “Today we honor the hard working men and women at this beautiful law enforcement Photo courtesy American Correctional Association/Kirk Raymond

officer’s memorial in our nation’s capital. It is important for all of us to take time this week, each and every year to make sure the people who are risking their lives and their families know they are recognized. So today we say, We Appreciate You.” →

“The professionalism, dedication and courage exhibited by these officers throughout the performance of these demanding and often conflicting roles deserves our ut most respect. The important work of correctional officers often does not receive the recognition from the public it

Photo courtesy American Correctional Association/Sarah Castillo

Photo opposite page courtesy American Correctional Association/Kirk Raymond; Background marble: istock/natrot

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