Series of events in Washington, DC , honor the service and sacrifice of more than 18,000 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in U.S. history

WASHINGTON , May 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National Police Week 2008 officially runs from May 11-17. A number of events are scheduled in and around the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in downtown Washington, DC , to honor the sacrifice of officers killed in the line of duty and to salute the men and women who continue to serve and protect. The Memorial is located in the 400 block of E Street, NW.

Sunday, May 11 , 11 am

13th Annual Law Ride

Hundreds of motorcycle-riding law enforcement officers and supporters from across the country ride from RFK Stadium to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and lay wreaths in honor of those officers, in particular motorcycle officers, who gave their lives in the line of duty. U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters is expected to participate.

Monday, May 12 , 2 pm

Police Unity Tour Arrival Ceremony

More than 1,100 bicycle-riding law enforcement officers and supporters complete 300-plus mile bike rides from Liberty State Park in New Jersey and Virginia Beach, Virginia , to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, in honor of fallen officers. The riders raise more than $1 million a year for the National Law Enforcement Museum.

Tuesday, May 13 , 8 pm

20th Annual Candlelight Vigil

During this moving ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, the names of 358 law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, including 181 officers killed in 2007, will be formally dedicated. Attorney General Michael Mukasey will deliver keynote remarks. The ceremony includes a laser light show, musical tributes and the lighting of candles.

Wednesday, May 14 , 8:30 am

6th Annual Steve Young Honor Guard Competition

John Marshall Park , Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, adjacent to the Canadian Embassy

Police honor guard units from across the country take part in a skills competition.

Wednesday, May 14 , 9 am - 3 pm

Driving for Donors National Marrow Donor Drive - Law Enforcement Kickoff

NLEOMF Visitors Center, 605 E Street, NW

Pat Pedraja , a 12-year-old boy from Florida who was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2006, is embarking on his second national "drive for donors," with a law enforcement kickoff. The special "Donormobile" will be distributing information and collecting swabs for the National Marrow Registry. For details, visit www.drivingfordonors.com.