[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9448 of May 13, 2016

Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For generations, the brave women and men of our Nation's law enforcement
have answered the call to serve and protect our communities. Enduring
long shifts in dangerous and unpredictable circumstances, our Nation's
peace officers embody the courage and honor that represent the best of
America. On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, we
express our gratitude for the selfless pub

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lic servants who wear the badge and put themselves in harm's way to keep
us safe, and we pay respect for those who lost their lives in the line
of duty.
In moments of danger and desperation, the first people we turn to are
law enforcement officers. These often unsung heroes risk their lives and
sacrifice precious time with loved ones so their fellow Americans can
live in peace and security. But more than that, they are leaders in
their communities, serving as mentors, coaches, friends, and neighbors--
working tirelessly each day to ensure that the people they serve have
the opportunities that should be afforded to all Americans. In honor of
all they do, we must give these dedicated professionals the support and
appreciation they deserve.
My Administration continues to work to ensure police departments and
other law enforcement agencies throughout our country have the resources
required to hire, train, and retain officers, provide officers with
modern and necessary equipment, and utilize technology to enhance their
communication networks. And our Federal law enforcement officers
regularly partner with their State and local counterparts to address
some of our Nation's most difficult problems. We know that strong
community bonds are essential for law enforcement to do their jobs
effectively. I established a Task Force on 21st Century Policing,
bringing together law enforcement, academia, youth, civil rights, and
community leaders to provide concrete recommendations to enhance public
safety while building community trust. Law enforcement officials care
deeply about their communities, and together with our partners in law
enforcement, we must work to build up our neighborhoods, prevent crime
before it happens, and put opportunity within reach for all our people.
Because each fallen peace officer is one too many, I proudly signed the
Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National Blue Alert Act last year--
bipartisan legislation that establishes a national ``Blue Alert''
communications network to disseminate information about threats to
officers. The legislation seeks to ensure that appropriate steps can be
taken as quickly as possible to provide for an officer's safety. I also
announced new, commonsense gun safety reforms to help keep guns out of
the wrong hands and emphasized that the already dangerous job of an
officer is far more dangerous than it should be because it remains too
easy for criminals and people who are a danger to others or themselves
to have access to guns.
It takes a special kind of courage to be a peace officer. Whether
deputies or detectives, tribal police or forest service officers, beat
cops or Federal agents, we hold up those who wear the badge as heroes.
Though they too often spend their days witnessing America at its worst,
in their extraordinary examples, we see America at its best. On this day
and throughout this week, let us celebrate those who nobly serve each
day--and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice--to move our
world toward a more just and safe tomorrow. May we carry forward their
brave and selfless spirit as we keep working together to shape a future
worthy of their commitment.
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

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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, 2016, as Peace Officers Memorial Day
and May 15 through May 21, 2016, as Police Week. I call upon all
Americans to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and
activities. I also call on the Governors of the United States and its
Territories, 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 sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA