In July 1965, a discussion between Past Optimist International President Carl Bowen and former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover resulted in the birth of the Respect for Law program. As the title suggests, the program inspires a healthy admiration for local law enforcement officials among young people. In conjunction with the Respect for Law Week, Clubs take part in the annual Optimist Day of Non-Violence, which is Sunday during the Respect For Law Week. This special day has been chosen during Respect for Law Week to encourage peace and harmony within communities all over the world. Clubs conduct an Optimist Day of Non-Violence Rally, which brings families together in cities to pledge against local violence.

Locally, our club honors our local law enforcement professionals, including but not limited to the

We do so by holding a Respect for Law Banquet usually held on the first Wednesday of May.  During this banquet, the Brameltt-Light Award is presented to an outstanding member or organization of the Phelps County community.  For more information, as well as past recipients of this award, please visit our awards page.