Honoring the Fallen: National Law Enforcement Candlelight Vigil 2026

On May 13, 2026, thousands of individuals will gather in Washington, D.C., for the 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil, an event dedicated to remembering the brave men and women of law enforcement who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) has announced that this year, 363 names of fallen officers will be honored and added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

This solemn ceremony, held on the National Mall between 4th and 7th streets, will begin at 8:00 PM, bringing together families, friends, colleagues, and supporters from across the nation. The vigil serves as a powerful reminder of the commitment these individuals have made to protect their communities, often at the cost of their own lives.

Of the 363 names added in 2026, 109 officers died in the line of duty in 2025, while 254 additional names represent heroes lost in prior years but finally garnering the recognition they deserve. The NLEOMF has conducted extensive research to verify the circumstances of their deaths, ensuring their stories are honored on this sacred memorial.

William Alexander, CEO of the NLEOMF, highlighted the importance of the event, stating, “As we come together to honor the officers we’ve lost, we reflect not only on their sacrifice, but on the commitment that called them to serve.” He stressed that their bravery leaves a lasting mark on the nation, inspiring future generations of law enforcement professionals.

Each year, approximately 30,000 mourners attend the vigil, uniting in a shared sense of strength and remembrance. The attendance includes not just those who have personal ties to the officers, but also members of the community who wish to pay their respects and show support.

The engraving process for the memorial is meticulous, beginning with extensive stencil work and followed by a careful engraving and curing stage. This year’s engravings commenced with an initial ceremony held on April 21 at 9:30 AM EST, ensuring that the utmost care is taken in preserving the integrity of each name etched into the memorial.

With the new additions, the memorial will now feature the names of 24,775 officers who have died in the line of duty across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. This comprehensive tribute symbolizes not just the loss experienced by families and communities, but also the enduring impact of these courageous individuals on the fabric of society.

The names of those being honored can be accessed through the Roll Call of Heroes for 2026 on the NLEOMF website, along with a complete schedule of events taking place during National Police Week in Washington, D.C.

The National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund was established in 1984 with the goal of honoring fallen officers and telling the story of American law enforcement. With dedicated efforts towards officer safety and wellness, the organization's mission has expanded to ensure that the legacies of these brave men and women continue to inspire and protect future law enforcement personnel.

For further information about the memorial and this poignant event, please visit nleomf.org/memorial.