[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 127, 113th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 

PROCLAMATION 8979--MAY 10, 2013

Proclamation 8979 of May 10, 2013

Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2013
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Day after day, police officers in every corner of America suit up, put
on the badge, and carry out their sworn duty to protect and serve. They
step out the door every morning without considering bravery or heroics.
They stay focused on meeting their responsibilities. They concentrate on
keeping their neighborhoods safe and doing right by their fellow
officers. And with quiet courage, they help fulfill the demanding yet
vital task of shielding our people from harm. It is work that deserves
our deepest respect--because when darkness and danger would threaten the
peace, our police officers are there to step in, ready to lay down their
lives to protect our own.
This week, we pay solemn tribute to men and women who did. Setting aside
fear and doubt, these officers made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve
the rule of law and the communities they loved. They heard the call to
serve and answered it; braved the line of fire; charged toward the
danger. Our hearts are heavy with their loss, and on Peace Officers
Memorial Day, our Nation comes together to reflect on the legacy they
left us.
As we mark this occasion, let us remember that we can do no greater
service to those who perished than by upholding what they fought to
protect. That means doing everything we can to make our communities
safer. It means putting cops back on the beat and supporting them with
the tools and training they need. It means getting weapons of war off
our streets and keeping guns out of the hands of criminals--common-sense
measures that would reduce gun violence and help officers do their job
safely and effectively.
Together, we can accomplish those goals. So as we take this time to
honor law enforcement in big cities and small towns all across our
country, let us join them in pursuit of a brighter tomorrow. Our police




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officers serve and sacrifice on our behalf every day, and as citizens,
we owe them nothing less than our full and lasting support.
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, 2013, as Peace Officers Memorial Day
and May 12 through May 18, 2013, 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 tenth day of May,
in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.
BARACK OBAMA