[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 20 (Monday, May 20, 1996)]
[Pages 847-848]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6895--Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 1996

May 13, 1996

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Despite the dangers they face while patrolling our Nation's cities, 
neighborhoods, and highways, America's law enforcement officers continue 
to serve with commitment and distinction every day. They put themselves 
in harm's way to safeguard our fellow citizens, and their dedication to 
the rule of law is essential to maintaining a just and orderly society. 
Each year, Police Week is a welcome opportunity to recognize the brave 
men and women of the law enforcement professions, and on Peace Officers 
Memorial Day we pause to honor those who have given their lives while 
protecting others.
    According to recent figures, 161 law enforcement officers were 
killed in the line of duty during 1995. And let us not forget the law 
enforcement personnel who died in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah 
Federal Building in Oklahoma City on April 19--the single deadliest day 
in law enforcement history. Since police deaths were first recorded in 
this country, in 1794, more than 14,000 officers have lost their lives 
working to keep the peace in our communities. On average, more than 
66,000 are assaulted every year, and some 24,000 are injured.
    To pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who have made the 
ultimate sacrifice for our country and to voice our appreciation for all 
those who currently serve on the front lines of the battle against 
crime, the Congress, by joint resolution approved October 1, 1962 (76 
Stat. 676), has authorized and requested the President to designate May 
15 of each year as ``Peace Officers Memorial Day,'' and the week in 
which it falls as ``Police Week,'' and by Public Law 103-322 (36 U.S.C. 
175) has directed that the flag be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers 
Memorial Day.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 1996, as Peace Officers 
Memorial Day, and May 12 through May 18, 1996, as Police Week. I call 
upon the people of the United States to observe these occasions with 
appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs. I also request the 
Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and 
the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the 
flag be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day on all 
buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and 
all areas under its jurisdiction and control. In addition, I invite all 
Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that 
day.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day 
of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twentieth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[[Page 848]]

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:55 a.m., May 14, 
1996]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on May 14, and it was published in the Federal Register on May 
15.