All those enforcement officers from South Mississippi who died in the line of duty since 1900 will be remembered Thursday when the ceremonies held in their name will take place.

According to the Sun Herald, several ceremonies are planned around the region Thursday, which represents National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the start of the observance of National Police Week.

The public is invited to the services, including one at 10 a.m. at the Gulfport Police Department on 34 Avenue. Gulfport's monument, which names the city's seven fallen officers, was moved to this new location after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the downtown police station.

Jackson County Sheriff Mike Byrd, whose son died in a crash on March 27, 2006, said that the ceremony is very emotional for everyone.

“It’s always an emotional occasion,” said Byrd, as Sun Herald reported.

State troopers from Troop K will lay wreaths Sunday at the gravesites of fallen officers who served with the Mississippi Highway Patrol.

It was reported that more than 18,270 officers nationwide have died in the line of duty since 1792.

It appears that the most frequent cause of death among officers is represented by the traffic incidents.

Flags nationwide are to fly at half mast Thursday until noon.