[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 97 (Friday, May 18, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 29529-29530]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-12223]


 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 97 / Friday, May 18, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 29529]]


                Proclamation 8821 of May 14, 2012

                
Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Every day, public safety officers work tirelessly to 
                protect our citizens, enforce our laws, and keep our 
                neighborhoods safe. They report for duty knowing full 
                well the dangers they face and the sacrifices they may 
                be called upon to make. This week, we pay tribute to 
                the thousands of men and women who serve us with 
                extraordinary bravery, and we remember the heroes who 
                have laid down their lives in pursuit of a safer, more 
                just society.

                While we can never fully repay them for their service, 
                we must work to ensure our law enforcement officers are 
                equipped with the tools and technology they need to do 
                their jobs safely and effectively. My Administration 
                has devoted significant resources to improving officer 
                safety, providing bulletproof vests that have saved 
                lives, training officers to prevent and survive 
                potentially lethal encounters, and strengthening our 
                ability to share information. We also continue to 
                pursue our goal of deploying a nationwide wireless 
                network for public safety. For the first time, this new 
                system will give our Nation's police officers and first 
                responders a dedicated communication network in times 
                of crisis--helping fulfill our promise to provide these 
                brave men and women with tools worthy of the sacrifices 
                they make on our behalf.

                We owe a profound debt to all those who have worn the 
                badge, and to the families whose care enables them to 
                serve with courage and pride. When the unthinkable 
                happens and officers give their lives or are seriously 
                injured in the line of duty, we have an obligation to 
                give their loved ones the support they deserve. During 
                Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, we recall 
                the selflessness of our law enforcement officers and 
                their families, and we honor all those who devote their 
                lives to forging a stronger, safer America. Let us 
                reflect on their invaluable contributions as we enjoy 
                the peace they bring to our communities, and let us vow 
                that their service will never be taken for granted.

                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, 
                2012, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 13 through 
                May 19, 2012, 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.

[[Page 29530]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                fourteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth. 
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2012-12223
Filed 5-17-12; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P