365 blue balloons were released in Blue Grass, Iowa in honor of police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. People gathered young and old to listen to music, to dance and to remember.
Already this year 99 police officers have died. The balloons were for them and for any officer over the years that is no longer with us.
"It's sometimes a thankless job," says Blue Grass Mayor and former police officer Tim Brandenburg. "You feel proud. You know there's a lot of people who understand the work it takes to be a cop."
Officers hope people leave today with more than just a new t-shirt and bracelet, but with an understanding for all police officers.
"Cops are human, they put their pants on just like everybody else. They have families that love them that they say goodbye to everyday when they go to work, and they make errors just like everyone else does in the work world," says Mayor Brandenburg.
All balloons released today are completely biodegradable. And the community hopes to make this balloon release a tradition for years to come.