U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) held its annual Valor Memorial and Wreath Laying Ceremony on May 16 at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C. The ceremony was conducted to honor 11 employees who lost their lives while serving.
“Today we honored not just the fallen heroes who gave their lives in the line of duty, but the families and friends who carry their memory forward. I encourage all who knew one of these fallen officers, agents, and individuals to continue to talk about the ones you’ve lost and share these stories and memories with their friends and family members,” said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. “These men are examples of the same bravery and selflessness that have defined the American people for centuries, and their commitment to defending our nation will never be forgotten. To the friends and family of the fallen here: we recognize your sacrifice, and we are eternally grateful. Let this ceremony, and the laying of this wreath, serve not as the end of our work of remembering them. Let it be just the beginning.”
The event was attended by families of those honored alongside hundreds from CBP and other law enforcement agencies. It concluded a week dedicated to National Police Week activities. A significant part of the event was unveiling the Valor Memorial Display featuring names and images of CBP employees who died in service.
“It’s within our lengthy history and proud tradition of service that today we honor the passing of these brave men, whose watches were cut so tragically short while serving our nation,” said Acting CBP Commissioner Pete Flores. “The debt we owe them for their service and sacrifice can never be repaid, but their legacy lives on in our officers, agents, specialists, and professional staff across this great nation and the world. So even though they are no longer with us, their memories will remain, resound, and reverberate throughout this sacred space for generations to come.”
Additional events during National Police Week included various commemorations such as a Blue Mass, a 5K run, a national K-9 memorial service among others aimed at honoring law enforcement contributions.
The Valor Memorial Interactive Display is located near 14th Street lobby in Washington's Ronald Reagan Building.
CBP is recognized as America's largest law enforcement organization with over 65,000 personnel responsible for safeguarding national security across multiple fronts.
