Capitol Grounds Cleared for Peace Officers Memorial and Honor Guard Exhibition in May 2025

This Concurrent Resolution is about giving the National Fraternal Order of Police and its auxiliary the green light to use the Capitol Grounds for two major events next May. Think of it as Congress formally reserving the space for a massive, high-profile memorial.

Specifically, this resolution authorizes the 44th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service, which honors law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty during 2024. The main service date is set for May 15, 2025, though the organizers can start setting up as early as May 9 and must be completely packed up by May 16 (SEC. 1).

Clearing the Calendar for Honor

Beyond the memorial service, the resolution also permits the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition on the Capitol Grounds, currently scheduled for May 14, 2025 (SEC. 2). This means you might see law enforcement honor guards showing off their precision drills and hear bagpipes echoing across the lawn—a significant public display of respect and tradition.

For the general public, the most important takeaway is that both events must be free and open to everyone (SEC. 3). This ensures that any citizen who wants to honor a fallen officer or watch the exhibition can do so without a ticket or fee. If you’re a local resident or visiting D.C. around that time, this is a chance to witness a massive, solemn ceremony.

Who Pays the Bill?

Here’s the part that keeps the taxpayer happy: The resolution makes it crystal clear that the sponsoring organizations (the National Fraternal Order of Police and its auxiliary) are on the hook for all costs and liabilities associated with the Memorial Service and Exhibition (SEC. 3). They pay for the stages, the sound systems, the security needs, and they take responsibility if anything goes wrong. This protects federal funds from being diverted to cover the event logistics.

For those working on Capitol Hill or planning to visit, expect a few days of minor disruption. The resolution allows for temporary structures like stages to be put up, provided the Architect of the Capitol approves the plans (SEC. 4). While the events are happening, the Capitol Police Board will be strictly enforcing existing rules against vending, advertising, and soliciting on the grounds (SEC. 5). So, if you were planning to set up a hot dog stand near the memorial, think again—the rules are firm on keeping the grounds clear of commercial activity during these ceremonies.