Last night the National Mall in Washington D.C. was a sea of candles held by thousands of law enforcement officers, their families and friends to pay tribute to officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The candlelight vigil, a powerful and moving ceremony, is part of National Police Week and during the ceremony 252 fallen officers names were read aloud. Their names have been added to National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

Of those honored last night were 123 officers who were killed in 2015 two of which were United States Air Force Security Forces members. Brig Gen Allen J. Jamerson stepped to the microphone on the stage to read the names ... TSgt Joesph G. Lemm and SSgt Louis M. Bonacasa.

Another 129 officers who died in previous years but had not previously been recognized were also added to the memorial this year.

Attorney General Loretta Lynch; Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson; president of Concerns of Police Survivors, Brenda Donner; and President of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Craig Floyd were guest speakers who both opened and closed the ceremony.

AFSFA was present and Jim Saulnier graciously provided these pictures.

God Bless our Defenders and their families forever.