[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 95 (Wednesday, May 15, 1996)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 24663]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-12419]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 15, 1996 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 24663]]


                Proclamation 6895 of May 13, 1996

                
Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 1996

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Despite the dangers they face while patrolling our 
                Nation's cities, neighborhoods, and highways, America's 
                law enforcement officers continue to serve with 
                commitment and distinction every day. They put 
                themselves in harm's way to safeguard our fellow 
                citizens, and their dedication to the rule of law is 
                essential to maintaining a just and orderly society. 
                Each year, Police Week is a welcome opportunity to 
                recognize the brave men and women of the law 
                enforcement professions, and on Peace Officers Memorial 
                Day we pause to honor those who have given their lives 
                while protecting others.

                According to recent figures, 161 law enforcement 
                officers were killed in the line of duty during 1995. 
                And let us not forget the law enforcement personnel who 
                died in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal 
                Building in Oklahoma City on April 19--the single 
                deadliest day in law enforcement history. Since police 
                deaths were first recorded in this country, in 1794, 
                more than 14,000 officers have lost their lives working 
                to keep the peace in our communities. On average, more 
                than 66,000 are assaulted every year, and some 24,000 
                are injured.

                To pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who have 
                made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and to 
                voice our appreciation for all those who currently 
                serve on the front lines of the battle against crime, 
                the Congress, by joint resolution approved October 1, 
                1962 (76 Stat. 676), has authorized and requested the 
                President to designate May 15 of each year as ``Peace 
                Officers Memorial Day,'' and the week in which it falls 
                as ``Police Week,'' and by Public Law 103-322 (36 
                U.S.C. 175) has directed that the flag be flown at 
                half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 
                1996, as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and May 12 
                through May 18, 1996, as Police Week. I call upon the 
                people of the United States to observe these occasions 
                with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs. 
                I also request the Governors of the United States and 
                the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the appropriate 
                officials of all units of government, to direct that 
                the flag be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers 
                Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval 
                vessels throughout the United States and all areas 
                under its jurisdiction and control. In addition, I 
                invite all Americans to display the flag at half-staff 
                from their homes on that day.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen 
                hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and twentieth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 96-12419
Filed 5-14-96; 11:54 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P