Obama honors fallen police officers

WASHINGTON, May 15 (UPI) -- U.S. President Obama spoke of the sacrifices made by police officers Tuesday in a ceremony honoring those who have fallen in the line of duty.

The 31st annual National Police Officers memorial service was held Tuesday morning on the front lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

"Blessed are the peacemakers because they shall be called the sons of God," he said in his speech.

The president thanked the families of fallen police officers for their sacrifice, acknowledging the "heavy hearts" that weigh on those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.

"The willingness to risk everything for a complete stranger is extraordinary," he said.

"Every American who wears the badge knows the burdens that come with it -- the long hours and the stress; the knowledge that just about any moment could be a matter of life or death. You carry these burdens so the rest of us don't have to."