Gov. Andy Beshear has ordered the American flag to be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings on Friday, May 15, in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day, according to a statement from his office.

Peace Officers Memorial Day, observed annually on May 15, honors federal, state and local officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. This year's observance falls during National Police Week, which runs from May 10 through May 16.

The tradition of honoring fallen peace officers dates back decades. In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and nearly two decades later, Congress authorized the flag to be flown at half-staff on the date.

Across Kentucky, law enforcement agencies are conducting their own memorial observances this week. Kentucky State Police posts have scheduled wreath presentations at burial sites of fallen troopers, while Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources will hold a memorial ceremony on May 18 to honor game wardens who have died in the line of duty.

Kentucky's Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation maintains a statewide monument listing the names of every known fallen law enforcement officer in the state's history. The monument now lists 599 men and women heroes who have died in the line of duty since 1845.

Citizens and organizations are encouraged to lower their own flags to half-staff in solidarity with the fallen and their families on Peace Officers Memorial Day.