National Police Week 2013: Candles Raised for the Fallen

More than 19,000 names of fallen law enforcement officers are etched into the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial — and more are added every year.

The keepers of the police memorial figure one law officer in the United States dies in the line of duty every 57 hours. For this year's ceremony, 321 names were added to that wall.

Among them: Milwaukee County Sheriff's Deputy Sergio Aleman, an Oak Creek resident killed in an on-duty car accident last summer; and Jennifer Sebena, a Wauwatosa police officer shot and killed on Christmas Eve 2012. 

“It’s real hard," Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke told WISN 12 News. "Even though we’re almost a year removed (from Aleman's death), it still hurts.”

Monday night, friends, families and fellow officers gathered to remember, some with smiles, many with tears.

The candles burned as a sign the lost would not be forgotten.

See:

321 Fallen Law Officers: 'Respect. Honor. Remember.'

National Police Week 2013: Full Schedule of Events

Wisconsin Contingent Pays Respects at National Law Enforcement Memorial

Wisconsin Memorial Ceremony for Slain Officers Honors Sergio Aleman