National Police Week culminates with 'Back the Blue' bike parade in Eastlake
May 22—Cheers and applause, barely audible over the din of rolling motorcycles and additional police vehicles, accompanied hundreds of bikers departing the Boulevard of 500 Flags in promotion of the police, and in a fitting, culminating gesture to National Police Week.
For the second time, Eastlake held its "Back the Blue Parade" — in salute to the men and women of law enforcement — a roughly 30-mile trek throughout Lake County which concluded at the city lot across from Classic Park.
George Hoyt, founding president of the Gray Riders Motorcycle Association and de facto organizer of the event, thanked participants in the parking lot of Eastlake City Hall for their commitment in less-than-ideal weather before the group embarked on their journey.
"All the (local police) departments know we're coming, so we'll pick with some more riders along the way, so stay safe," he said.
Bikers jammed the parking lot at Eastlake City Hall on May 22 in preparation for the Second Annual "Back the Blue Parade. (Chad Felton ??
The ride, by design or not, in complementary fashion, capped a country-wide recognition in honoring and remembering fallen law enforcement officers, as another local group, albeit smaller, traveled to Washington, D.C. for the 34th Annual Police Memorial Candlelight Vigil.
Additionally, the Lake County commissioners' advocacy for "the Blue" was manifested in the adoption of a May 19 resolution acknowledging "National Police Week in Lake County."
The measure, according to Commissioners John Hamercheck and John Plecnik, is intended to pay homage to the unsung heroes who have dedicated their lives to protecting citizens in large cities, small towns and suburban neighborhoods all across America, including those whose futures were cut short.
"We express our sincerest gratitude for these selfless public servants who put themselves in harm's way to keep us safe," Hamercheck said.
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" and the calendar week that it falls in as "National Police Week."
Established by a joint resolution of Congress, "National Police Week" pays distinct recognition to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty providing safety and protection to others.
Tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge in the nation's capital every year to participate in several planned events honoring those individuals who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
A memorial service began in Senate Park in 1982 and 40 years later, the event has evolved into a series of events attracting 25,000 to 40,000 attendees made up of officers, survivors, and various agencies.
"It is extremely important to remember the extraordinary courage of our women and men in uniform, who nobly wear the badge of a police officer and put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe," said Plecnik, preparing to ride before kickstands went up.
"We're so grateful to Mayor (Dennis) Morley and Eastlake Council for hosting the second annual Back the Blue rally," he added. "It's so important that we show our support for law enforcement and it reinforces how strongly Lake County supports the police. And even with a little bit of rain in the air, we're still seeing hundreds of bikes come out."
