Washington ? President Barack Obama paid tribute Saturday on behalf of a grateful nation to law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while safeguarding their communities.

Americans “rely on a certain order in our lives, a certain sense of security that lets us sleep safely in our beds and walk around our neighborhoods free from fear and go about our daily lives without being the victims of crime. That sense of security doesn’t come on its own,” he said in brief remarks on the west front lawn of the Capitol during Peace Officers Memorial Day, which honors officers killed in the line of duty.

“What makes it possible, what makes freedom possible, are the law enforcement officials that we honor today,” he said.

The event is part of National Police Week, an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.