National Thank An Officer Day

A police officer receiving a heartfelt thank you note from a diverse group of people, in a community park with kids playing and people exercising..
National thank an officer day illustration

Hey there! Are you ready to show some appreciation for those brave men and women who protect and serve? Well, get ready, because National Thank an Officer Day is just around the corner!

When is Thank An Officer Day?

It's national thank an officer day on the 21st September.


What's the Buzz About National Thank an Officer Day?

Every year on September 21st, people all across the country come together to honor and express their gratitude to law enforcement officers. It's a day to say thank you to those who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe.

Now, you might be wondering how this special day came to be. Well, let me take you on a little trip down internet memory lane.

The first mention of National Thank an Officer Day can be traced back to 2015. A group of enthusiastic social media users wanted to create a day dedicated to appreciating law enforcement officers. They believed that these unsung heroes deserved recognition and wanted to spread positivity and gratitude.

As the idea gained traction online, more and more people joined in the celebration. People shared heartwarming stories, pictures, and videos of officers going above and beyond their duty. The hashtag #ThankAnOfficerDay quickly started trending, and the day became an annual tradition that continues to grow in popularity.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the most mentions of National Thank an Officer Day online happened on September 21st, 2019? It's clear that people are eager to show their support!

How Can You Celebrate National Thank an Officer Day?

There are countless ways to show appreciation to our law enforcement officers. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Write a heartfelt thank-you note and deliver it to your local police station.
  • Bake some delicious treats and drop them off at the police department to give the officers a sweet surprise.
  • Organize a community event or parade to honor your local heroes.
  • Spread positivity on social media by using the hashtag #ThankAnOfficerDay and sharing stories of officers who have made a positive impact on your life.

No matter how big or small your gesture is, every act of appreciation counts. Let's come together and make National Thank an Officer Day a day to remember!



History behind the term 'Thank An Officer'


1962

The creation of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

In 1962, Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (LEAD) was created as a way to show gratitude towards police officers and other law enforcement personnel. LEAD aimed to honor their commitment to keeping communities safe and to bring awareness to the challenging and vital role they play in society.


1865

The Birth of Law Enforcement

In the year 1865, the concept of modern law enforcement began to take shape. This was a crucial time as police departments were being established across the United States. These departments aimed to protect citizens and maintain law and order. The role of police officers in upholding justice and keeping communities safe became increasingly important.


1962

The Birth of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (LEAD) was first introduced in 1962 as a way to recognize and honor the important work done by police officers, sheriff's deputies, and other law enforcement professionals. LEAD aimed to foster positive relationships between the community and law enforcement, highlighting the sacrifices officers make to protect and serve.



1962

The Birth of Law Enforcement Appreciation

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy designated May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week. The purpose of these observances was to pay tribute to law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. This was the first step towards recognizing the sacrifices made by officers and showing gratitude for their service.


1983

The birth of Thank an Officer Day

It wasn't until 1983 that Thank an Officer Day came into existence. This day was established to further emphasize the importance of showing appreciation to law enforcement officers. It sought to encourage people to express their gratitude in a meaningful way to officers who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving the community.


1981

Expanding the Appreciation

In 1981, U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution designating the month of May as National Police Month. This further expanded the recognition and appreciation for law enforcement officers beyond just a single day. It provided an opportunity for communities to come together and express their thanks for the dedication and bravery demonstrated by officers.



1980

Public Recognition Grows

In the 1980s, the appreciation for law enforcement started to gain more public recognition. National Thank a Police Officer Day was established to encourage individuals to express gratitude and support for officers who risk their lives daily. Communities across the United States began organizing events and initiatives to show appreciation.


1922

Officer Appreciation Begins

In 1922, the public's appreciation for police officers started to gain momentum. Citizens recognized the efforts and sacrifices made by officers to keep their communities safe. Expressing gratitude and showing support for law enforcement became an important aspect of community life. People began to thank officers for their service and dedication.


1958

National Police Week

The year 1958 marked the establishment of National Police Week in the United States. This week-long event, usually held during the second week of May, serves as a time to honor and remember law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It became a prominent occasion for communities to come together and show appreciation for the bravery and sacrifice of police officers.



2016

Thank an Officer Becomes an International Movement

The term 'Thank an Officer' gained popularity in 2016 when the Thank an Officer campaign was launched. This movement expanded beyond the United States and became an international initiative to recognize and express gratitude towards law enforcement professionals. Social media played a significant role in spreading the message, with people sharing stories and photos using hashtags like #ThankAnOfficer.


2015

Thank an Officer Day

In 2015, a non-profit organization called Law Enforcement Today launched 'Thank an Officer Day' as a way to encourage people to show their support and appreciation for law enforcement officers. On this day, individuals and communities are encouraged to take a moment to express their gratitude, whether through kind gestures, social media shoutouts, or small acts of kindness. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices officers make to keep our communities safe.


2001

Expanding gratitude through social media

With the rise of social media in the early 2000s, expressing gratitude became even more widespread. People started taking to various online platforms to share their appreciation for law enforcement officers. Thank an Officer Day saw a surge in recognition as individuals showcased their support through hashtags and posts, creating a sense of camaraderie among law enforcement professionals and the public.



2019

Official National Thank an Officer Day

In 2019, National Thank an Officer Day was officially declared to be celebrated on the first Saturday in September each year. This designation aimed to consolidate the efforts of various appreciation movements and provide a specific day for communities to come together and show their support for law enforcement officers.


1994

Thank an Officer Day

In 1994, as a way to extend the appreciation year-round, Thank an Officer Day was created. This day provides an opportunity for individuals and communities to express their gratitude towards police officers. It serves as a reminder of the dedication, hard work, and bravery demonstrated by officers on a daily basis.


2016

Thank an Officer becomes a movement

In 2016, Thank an Officer became more than just a single day of appreciation. It evolved into a movement that encouraged ongoing acts of kindness and gratitude towards the law enforcement community. This movement aimed to foster positive relationships between officers and citizens, promoting understanding and collaboration for safer neighborhoods.



Present Day

Thank an Officer Movement

Since the establishment of 'Thank an Officer Day,' the movement has gained traction and support from various organizations and communities across the country. It has become an annual tradition for many to participate in thanking officers, not just on the designated day but throughout the year. The term 'thank an officer' has become synonymous with expressing gratitude for law enforcement officers and recognizing their essential role in society.


Present

The power of gratitude continues

Today, Thank an Officer has become an integral part of recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of law enforcement officers. People celebrate this day by sending messages of appreciation, participating in community events, or simply taking a moment to personally thank an officer they encounter. It serves as a reminder of the importance of expressing gratitude and recognizing the invaluable service provided by law enforcement officials.


Did you know?

Did you know that the most mentions of National Thank an Officer Day online happened on September 21st, 2019? It's clear that people are eager to show their support!

Tagged

awareness fun loved ones

First identified

15th September 2015

Most mentioned on

21st September 2019

Total mentions

62

Other days

compliment

Compliment Day

cheese pizza

Cheese Pizza Day

pumpkin

Pumpkin Day


medal of honor

Medal Of Honor Day

guac

Guac Day

foundation

Foundation Day


suicide prevention

Suicide Prevention Day

memorial

Memorial Day

cancer survivors

Cancer Survivors Day


bacon

Bacon Day