WHERE: Virginia City, Nevada.
WHEN: Saturday, May 5th, 2012, parade at 12:00 Noon.
BRINGING HISTORY TO LIFE WITH A POLICE MEMORIAL WEEK PARADE
It was once a tradition to hold parades in recognition of the law enforcement profession. Officers dressed in their finest uniforms proudly formed up to parade down main street with pride. Although those days have all but gone, one organization in one small and very historical town in the west has brought back a very traditional Police Memorial Week Parade held in their honor, in honor of those who have done the job and those continuing to keep the peace.
The tradition began on July 18th of 2009 with a parade held in celebration of the grand opening of the Silver State National Peace Officers Museum in Virginia City, Nevada. Since 2009 the museum has organized an annual Police Memorial Week Parade which takes place during Police Week each May. On Saturday, May 5th of 2012 the fourth such parade and Third Annual Police Memorial Week Parade will take place at high noon in this historical mining town located a short drive from Reno and Lake Tahoe.
The 2011 parade brought sixty entrants from both Nevada and California including bagpipers, color guards and honor guards, motors, in-service vehicles, and even mounted officers. Vintage restored police vehicles were included as the museum holds their Comstock Restored Emergency Vehicle Show on the same day and show participants also parade along with local docents dressed in period western lawman outfits. The parade follows a plan of moving through time and tradition of law enforcement as the visitor lined main street is filled with cops of past and present. Official announcer booths along the parade route provided viewers with a running account of participants, the history of the museum and the purpose of the parade, that being in respect of those officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and in recognition of every man and women serving their communities across the United States today.
The Silver State National Peace Officers Museum is a highlight for all attending the parade. Founded in 2009, the museum features a one of a kind collection of law enforcement historical memorabilia from across the United States dating back to the 1780s. Exhibits include an extensive and impressive California collection. Nevada law enforcement is also well represented to include a badge worn by the vigilantes of Aurora, Nevada in 1864. John Dillingerʼs death mask is also a very popular exhibit. And officers from around the world have enjoyed signing the Visiting Officer Board, a place reserved for active and retired law enforcement officers to leave their mark for others to enjoy.
All agencies are invited and encouraged to participate in the parade. Vintage law enforcement vehicles as well as fire apparatus, honor guards, motors, mounted officers, in-service vehicles, anything and everything law enforcement is welcome and desired.
Each and every one of you wearing the badge and doing the job today should be proud of doing what few others can or care to do. After all, what would civilization be without the peace keepers? Make history in Virginia City and show your pride in the profession by participating in or attending the only Police Memorial Week Parade. After all, we do this in their honor.
Our 2011 Police Memorial Week Parade and Comstock Police Collectors and Restored Emergency Vehicle Show was a great success. Enjoy these scenes from our events and consider joining us in 2012.
Combined Color Guard representing the Storey County Sheriff's Office, Washoe County Sheriff's Office, and Nevada Department of Public Safety.
A line of vintage vehicles move down C Street toward the crowds.
A group of motors representing the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, Reno Police Department, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, and Washoe County School District Police.
The parade works through a crowded C Street as in-service vehicle participants bring up the rear. The parade included agencies from California this year and we hope to see several others participate in 2012.
Watch the 2011 Police Memorial Week Parade: POLICE WEEK PARADE VIDEO
The Best of Show Award from the restored vehicle show was presented to Chris Hagen with his 1973 Dodge Coronet representing the Monterey County Sheriff's Office.
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