As National Police Week unfolds in Washington, a glaring omission mars the festivities: the absence of a permanent memorial honoring the law enforcement officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, attack.
Despite a congressional mandate to install a plaque by March 2023, the tribute remains unmounted, sparking frustration and concern among lawmakers and law enforcement communities.
The delay has been attributed to House Republicans, who have yet to explain the holdup clearly. The architect of the Capitol’s office, responsible for installing the plaque, is working with House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office to resolve the issue, but no timeline has been offered.
Congress Fails to Meet Deadline: Honoring Jan. 6 Officers Put on Hold
This inaction is particularly galling given the recent introduction of a bill by Johnson that perpetuates misinformation about election security, echoing the very rhetoric that fueled the January 6 attack.
Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) has written to Johnson, expressing deep concern about the delay and urging him to take action. The plaque, intended to honor the officers who valiantly protected the Capitol and its occupants, is a crucial symbol of recognition and gratitude.
Its absence serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles to acknowledge and confront the truth about that fateful day. The story is a complex web of political intrigue, bureaucratic delays, and the ongoing struggle to come to terms with the events of January 6, 2021.
As the nation honors law enforcement this week, the absence of this memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the work still to be done to ensure that those who protect our democracy are duly recognized and honored.
