On October 1, 1962, U.S. President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726, a joint resolution of the 87th Congress, designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in honor of federal, state, and municipal peace officers who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty. Each year, the calendar week in which May 15 falls is called Police Week.

In 1994, U.S. President William J. Clinton signed Public Law 103-322, a joint resolution of the 103rd Congress, directing that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff on all government buildings on May 15.