[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 96 (Wednesday, May 18, 2016)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 31483-31484]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11925]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 96 / Wednesday, May 18, 2016 /
Presidential Documents
[[Page 31483]]
Proclamation 9448 of May 13, 2016
Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2016
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
For generations, the brave women and men of our
Nation's law enforcement have answered the call to
serve and protect our communities. Enduring long shifts
in dangerous and unpredictable circumstances, our
Nation's peace officers embody the courage and honor
that represent the best of America. On Peace Officers
Memorial Day and during Police Week, we express our
gratitude for the selfless public servants who wear the
badge and put themselves in harm's way to keep us safe,
and we pay respect for those who lost their lives in
the line of duty.
In moments of danger and desperation, the first people
we turn to are law enforcement officers. These often
unsung heroes risk their lives and sacrifice precious
time with loved ones so their fellow Americans can live
in peace and security. But more than that, they are
leaders in their communities, serving as mentors,
coaches, friends, and neighbors--working tirelessly
each day to ensure that the people they serve have the
opportunities that should be afforded to all Americans.
In honor of all they do, we must give these dedicated
professionals the support and appreciation they
deserve.
My Administration continues to work to ensure police
departments and other law enforcement agencies
throughout our country have the resources required to
hire, train, and retain officers, provide officers with
modern and necessary equipment, and utilize technology
to enhance their communication networks. And our
Federal law enforcement officers regularly partner with
their State and local counterparts to address some of
our Nation's most difficult problems. We know that
strong community bonds are essential for law
enforcement to do their jobs effectively. I established
a Task Force on 21st Century Policing, bringing
together law enforcement, academia, youth, civil
rights, and community leaders to provide concrete
recommendations to enhance public safety while building
community trust. Law enforcement officials care deeply
about their communities, and together with our partners
in law enforcement, we must work to build up our
neighborhoods, prevent crime before it happens, and put
opportunity within reach for all our people.
Because each fallen peace officer is one too many, I
proudly signed the Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu
National Blue Alert Act last year--bipartisan
legislation that establishes a national ``Blue Alert''
communications network to disseminate information about
threats to officers. The legislation seeks to ensure
that appropriate steps can be taken as quickly as
possible to provide for an officer's safety. I also
announced new, commonsense gun safety reforms to help
keep guns out of the wrong hands and emphasized that
the already dangerous job of an officer is far more
dangerous than it should be because it remains too easy
for criminals and people who are a danger to others or
themselves to have access to guns.
It takes a special kind of courage to be a peace
officer. Whether deputies or detectives, tribal police
or forest service officers, beat cops or Federal
agents, we hold up those who wear the badge as heroes.
Though they too often spend their days witnessing
America at its worst, in their extraordinary examples,
we see America at its best. On this day and throughout
[[Page 31484]]
this week, let us celebrate those who nobly serve each
day--and remember those who made the ultimate
sacrifice--to move our world toward a more just and
safe tomorrow. May we carry forward their brave and
selfless spirit as we keep working together to shape a
future worthy of their commitment.
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,
2016, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 15 through
May 21, 2016, as Police Week. I call upon all Americans
to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and
activities. I also call on the Governors of the United
States and its Territories, 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 sixteen, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and fortieth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 2016-11925
Filed 5-17-16; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F6-P