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Washington, D.C. –Flickering candles partially illuminated the grounds of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., last night as members of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) honored those from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) who have given their lives in service to their nation.

This solemn candlelight vigil is part of the annual NTEU legislative conference and drew hundreds to the Memorial. NTEU represents more than 24,000 CBP employees.

NTEU President Colleen M. Kelley was joined by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute and CBP Acting Assistant Commissioner Kevin McAleenan in reading, one by one, the names of those who have made this sacrifice, dating back to the start of the U.S. Customs Service in the early years of the United States.

President Kelley spoke of the families of those who have sacrificed their lives for others. “We can never fully understand the traumatic loss they bear,” she said. “But in a different way, a lesser way, we know that every loss of a DHS Officer is also a loss for the federal workforce family, for the NTEU family, for the Customs and Border Protection family. They are our brothers and sisters.”

She added: “It is a privilege for us to be able to honor all those who gave their lives so that we may enjoy a free and just society. Their deaths underscore the perils of their profession and remind us all of the dedication and heroism of those who serve.”

The plaza on which the granite walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial sit spans the entire width of a downtown Washington city block. The low walls, guarded by granite lions, have engraved on them the names of law enforcement officers from departments and units throughout the country who have died serving the public.

Speaking of the fallen officers, President Kelley said, “We pray that gathering here this evening will bring peace to them and strength to those who live on.”

NTEU is the nation’s largest independent union of federal employees, representing 150,000 employees in 31 agencies and departments.