National Police Week

It was started in 1962 by JFK and is a series of planned events in Washington D.C., which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. It attracts between 25,000 to 40,000 participants from departments throughout the US as well as agencies from across the world. 
The event I photographed today was a competition between pipe bands in the morning and Honor Guards in the afternoon. 
The main picture is the Honor Guard battalion for Pueblo, Colorado. The extra in which I feature (!!) is the Honor Guard --all women-- from the Chicago PD. Also in the extras, some members of a pipe band relaxing by the water, and, more poignant, a young boy holding the picture of his dad who died in service.
Police officers everywhere have been under scrutiny in the past few years because of the actions of some. It was good to see the many others appreciated and honored for their service.
Additional photos