[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 97 (Thursday, May 19, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 29137-29138]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-12548]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 97 / Thursday, May 19, 2011 /
Presidential Documents
[[Page 29137]]
Proclamation 8676 of May 13, 2011
Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Our Nation's public safety officers are heroes who risk
their lives to keep our families and communities safe.
Each of these brave men and women goes to work not
knowing what dangers might lie ahead, making tremendous
sacrifices to uphold justice and protect the innocent.
This week, we extend our gratitude for their service to
our country. We also remember those killed in the line
of duty, and we mourn their loss and honor the loved
ones they left behind.
Our law enforcement personnel are dedicated to the
communities they serve, working tirelessly to transform
neighborhoods across our country. Despite facing budget
constraints and daily threats, public safety officers
embrace innovative approaches to improving our Nation
and upholding the rule of law.
Public safety officers put their lives on the line to
protect ours, sometimes making the ultimate sacrifice.
One death is too many, and every death is an
unfathomable loss to the officer's family, colleagues,
and community. In the past year, we have seen a tragic
wave of police officer fatalities, and have mourned the
loss of too many public safety officers. This year also
marks 10 years since the tragedy of September 11. We
will always remember the selfless courage shown by
police officers, fire fighters, and first responders in
New York City, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon who
rushed into unknown dangers to save the lives of
others. Their service--and the service of all who have
worn the badge--will never be forgotten.
While we can never adequately thank our law enforcement
officers for their service, we can use every tool at
our disposal to protect them on the job. My
Administration is committed to stopping senseless
tragedies and keeping our police safe. We will continue
to provide funding for resources to keep cops on the
street and to collaborate with law enforcement agencies
and organizations to develop strategies that reduce
injuries and deaths in the line of duty. We have also
launched the new Preventing Violence Against Law
Enforcement and Ensuring Officer Resilience and
Survivability (VALOR) initiative, designed to reduce
and prevent law enforcement officer injuries and line-
of-duty deaths.
We know that bullet-resistant vests and body armor can
save lives. After consulting with members of the law
enforcement community, we instituted a new mandatory
wear policy as part of our Bulletproof Vest Partnership
program beginning this year. We will also continue to
seek more efficient ways to share information and
invest in evidence-based, smart-on-crime approaches to
fighting crime. Moreover, if tragedy does strike, we
will provide support to the families of law enforcement
officers.
As we commemorate Peace Officers Memorial Day and
Police Week, we honor the discipline and distinction
our peace officers have shown in conditions we can only
imagine. They are continually called upon to remain
vigilant and take courageous action. As a country, we
promise to stand beside our public safety community and
do our part to help keep America safe and secure.
[[Page 29138]]
By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as
amended (76 Stat. 676), and by Public Law 103-322, as
amended (36 U.S.C. 136-137), the President has been
authorized and requested to designate May 15 of each
year as ``Peace Officers Memorial Day'' and the week in
which it falls as ``Police Week.''
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 15,
2011, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 15 through
May 21, 2011, as Police Week. I call upon all Americans
to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and
activities. I also call on Governors of the United
States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials
of the other territories subject to the jurisdiction of
the United States, and appropriate officials of all
units of government, to direct that the flag be flown
at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day. I further
encourage all Americans to display the flag at half-
staff from their homes and businesses on that day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 2011-12548
Filed 5-18-11; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P