National Police Week 2024 – The 30th Annual Pipeband Memorial March

The National Conference of Law Enforcement Emerald Societies is pleased to announce the 30th Annual Memorial March will be taking place on Tuesday May 14, 2024 at 6pm.

The Memorial March and Service started in 1995 has become a signature event during Police Week activities in Washington DC.  The march starts at 6:00 pm at on Capitol Hill at New Jersey Avenue and F street NW. The march proceeds along E street and enters the NLEOM on the south side at E Street. The march procession will include; Pipebands, Emerald Societies, Honor Guards, antiques police cars/motorcycles from across the United States and Canada.

At 6 pm, a Memorial Service will begin with opening tunes from public safety pipebands to include members from; police/ fire/ law enforcement/ sheriffs and emerald societies. This is the largest contingent of mass pipebands during the Police Week activities. The 2024 Host Pipeband will be the St. Louis County Police Pipes & Drums.The Host Honor Guard will be the Waltham MA Police Honor Guard. The service includes  various speakers, pipe tunes from mass bands and concludes with placing two wreaths at the center of the memorial.

The Memorial Service not only pays tribute to fallen Irish-American Law Enforcement Officers but all officers that have made the ultimate sacrifice. Over the years, Members of Congress, Chiefs of Police, as well as local, state and Federal leaders have been in attendance. The service has also received nationwide media attention by being featured on a special edition of “America Most Wanted” hosted by John Walsh

The National Conference of Law Enforcement Emerald Societies (NCLEES) which sponsors the Memorial March and Service was started in 1995. Acting Chief Robert Kearns, the current National President of NCLEES is a 37 year veteran of the Jersey City Police Department. NCLEES has over eighty-nine chapters comprised of law enforcement and firefighters from around the country. NCLEES also has chapters in Canada and United Kingdom.

All Pipebands, Emerald Societies, Honor Guards, departmental motorcycles and vintage police vehicles are invited to participate in the Memorial March. The public is encouraged to attend the service.