President Biden commends fallen officers as heroes during national memorial

Thousands gathered in our nation’s capital Wednesday for the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service. It honors those killed in the line of duty.

President Joe Biden spoke at the event.

“Two weeks ago, I was in Charlotte, North Carolina. Spent some time with the families of the eight brave police officers who were shot in the line of duty,” Biden said. “Tragically, four of them were killed. They were husbands, fathers, heroes. All of you who serve, for your families left behind, you live a simple truth. Every time you put on that shield and walk out of the house, your family wonders if that call will come.”

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK COVERAGE:

• Families, law enforcement gather in Washington for National Police Week

• ‘You can’t describe it’: Colleagues, loved ones pay respects to fallen officers at memorial wall

The National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service is held on the west front of the U.S. Capitol, which is basically on its lawn. It happens on May 15 every year, which is National Peace Officers’ Day.

>> Channel 9 reporters Hunter Sáenz and Hannah Goetz are live in Washington until Friday with team coverage of National Police Week.

During the memorial, the families of the fallen, law enforcement officers and elected leaders pay tribute to those who have died in the line of duty, as well as the work officers around the country do daily.

It’s an emotional event as so many officers gather in this city this week.

>> Hear the touching tributes in the video at the top of the page.

(WATCH BELOW: National Police Week: Honoring fallen heroes in Washington)