[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8821--MAY 14, 2012

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 sub-

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ject 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 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.
BARACK OBAMA