State honors fallen law officers

State officials today honored law officers who’ve died in the line of duty in a ceremony on the grounds of the state capitol complex. The ceremony is part of National Peace Officers Memorial week — and while no Iowans died in the line of duty this past year, Governor Tom Vilsack says we need to remember those who died in years past. He says over the course of our history, 128 have given their lives. He says while no-one died this past year, the ceremony remembers those 128 who have. The governor also used the ceremony to mention those who’re serving in the military overseas. He says our democracy is strong and free because we have men and women who’re willing to put on a uniform and put themselves in harm’s way, so we can go about our business without having to think about whether it’s a dangerous world. The governor joined Public Safety Commissioner Kevin Techau in placing a floral wreath in front of the Peace Officers Memorial Monument, and the ceremony ended with a 21-gun salute.