Many Americans celebrated Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Tuesday, showcasing their support for cops in a variety of ways.
Words of thanks for men and women in law enforcement flooded Twitter from public and private citizens alike.
Today is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. We are proud of the members of our many law enforcement agencies, including @MassStatePolice @MAEnviroPolice @MBTATransitPD and @MACorrections, as well as those serving & protecting our local cities & towns. Thank you! #LEAD2018 pic.twitter.com/y3E7zBNr7u
— Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) January 9, 2018
Today is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. I am incredibly thankful for the brave men and women in Florida that wake up every day and risk their lives to keep us safe. pic.twitter.com/7UBgKq7bhu
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantisFL) January 9, 2018
Each day, brave men and women everywhere suit up to go out and protect their communities to make our world ? a safe place. We appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you!#LawEnforcementAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/sVK2H21uvk
— Miami PD (@MiamiPD) January 9, 2018
Unlike some of the novelty holidays that spark social media hashtags and little else, however, much of that support played out in acts of kindness.
Andy and I took the time today to spread some good cheer (on behalf of our business Victory Lawn Care) to the Berlin area law enforcement agencies for National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Thank you all for all that you do to keep our community safe! @berlinmd @MDSP pic.twitter.com/mZvjDZdAdz
— Ashley Davis Blizzard (@freestatephoto1) January 9, 2018
To celebrate National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day our friends at Hy-Vee brought us some of their awesome power rings! So much for our New Year's resolution to eat healthier…oh well…maybe next year…Thanks Hy-Vee! pic.twitter.com/CnyBmCpbkA
— Shawnee KS Police Department (@shawneeKSpolice) January 9, 2018
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution compiled a list of ways citizens can show appreciation, including a simple act encouraged by police advocacy groups across the U.S.
Wearing blue is commonly observed as a show of support for law enforcement.
Scott Minier of the Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch is one leader who called on supporters to make a statement with their wardrobe, according to WEHT.
“We’re asking our volunteers and donors to take time to say ‘thank you for your service’ when coming into contact with their local sheriff and deputies, chief of police and officers, as well as area state troopers,” he said.
Displaying a blue porch light is another way people frequently broadcast their support for police.
Among the other steps individuals are encouraged to take are writing letters or making financial donations to local agencies and sharing stories on social media of positive experiences with law enforcement.
As police have been criticized recently for perceived injustices, Americans are also encouraged to engage in an open and honest dialogue with local law enforcement officers.
WEHT’s list included many of the same options, punctuated by one final recommendation: “Most important, if you see a police officer, thank a police officer.”
[Featured image: Miami Police Department/Twitter]
