[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]


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  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