President Trump. VP Pence pay tribute to law enforcement

President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence paid tribute on Tuesday to law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2017. One of the most heartwarming moments came when Trump invited the mother and family members of a black, woman police detective who was murdered by a street thug. The officer's mother held onto Trump as he made the event about them and others who have suffered the loss of a family member while protecting and serving the American people.

Last year (2017), 129 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty. On Tuesday morning, at the 37th Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service, President Donald Trump joined senior officials from departments throughout his Administration to honor these heroes’ sacrifices and recognize their family members.honoring officers killed in the line of duty

In May of 1982, 125 people gathered for the First National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service. Over the last 37 years, the Fraternal Order of Police has honored more than 5,000 law enforcement officers nationwide in the capital. In addition, the American Police Hall of Fame in Titusville, Florida, held a memorial service and banquet honoring the nation’s fallen, retired and currently serving law enforcement officials..

During Tuesday’s festivities, more than 20,000 officers, families, and friends of law enforcement attend ed the annual Memorial Service. In addition to the 129 officers who died in 2017, this year’s event will honor 70 additional officers whose deaths were previously unrecognized. Many of these 70 officers died from illnesses related to service during the September 11 attacks.

Watch President Trump’s address live at 11 a.m. ET.

More: How the Trump Administration stood up for law and order in 2017