[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
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

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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.
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.
BARACK OBAMA