PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – In honor of National Law Enforcement Memorial week, a wreath laying ceremony was held Wednesday morning at the Law Enforcement Memorial at Capitol Lake in Pierre.

South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation director and former Brule County States Attorney David Natvig reflected on why the ceremony is held each year.

State Department of Corrections Secretary and former Hughes County Sheriff Mike Leidholt says it’s important to honor the 66 law enforcement officers who’ve been killed in the line of duty over the years.

A motorcade and memorial church service were also held in Pierre today.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which the date falls as Police Week. In keeping with this tradition, the South Dakota Fraternal Order of Police in conjunction with state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies have held this annual memorial service to honor the 66 Law Enforcement Officers killed in the line of duty in South Dakota.