[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 19 (Monday, May 17, 1999)]
[Pages 859-860]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Proclamation 7195--Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 1999

May 10, 1999

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Whether working in big cities, suburban communities, or small rural 
towns, America's law enforcement officers serve each day as a defense 
against the forces of crime and brutality. These courageous men and 
women defend our lives with their own. All too often they pay the 
ultimate price for their dedication, as America saw again this past year 
when an armed intruder invaded the United States Capitol and gunned down 
Officer Jacob J. Chestnut and Detective John M. Gibson. These brave men 
were husbands, fathers, neighbors, and friends. We must honor and 
remember their sacrifice and the loss of the loved ones they left 
behind.
    We must also remember that the heroes who died defending the U.S. 
Capitol were just 2 of the 61 law enforcement officers killed in the 
line of duty last year. Firearms took all but 3 of these lives. In 
addition, 78 officers died in tragic accidents. All of their memories 
live on, not only with their friends and families, but also in the 
hearts of all of us who enjoy safer, more peaceful lives because of 
their dedicated service.
    This week we honor with special gratitude the nearly 600,000 highly 
trained law enforcement personnel who serve our Nation each day. Whether 
working undercover against drug pushers, gang leaders, and terrorists; 
apprehending fugitives; responding to domestic violence calls; or 
arresting drunk drivers, these courageous men and women uphold their 
pledge to preserve the peace and promote the public's safety. In large 
part because of their skill and determination, crime rates in our Nation 
have fallen to the lowest point in 25 years, with the murder rate at its 
lowest level in 30 years. But the war on crime is a constant and 
dangerous struggle, and during Police Week--and especially on Peace 
Officers Memorial Day--we honor those who serve on the front lines of 
that battle.
    By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962 (76 Stat. 676), the 
Congress 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. 167), 
has requested 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, 1999, as Peace Officers 
Memorial Day and May 9 through 15, 1999, as Police Week. I call upon the 
people of the United States to observe these occasions with appropriate 
ceremonies, programs, and activities. I also request the Governors of 
the States and of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as the appro-
priate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag of 
the United States 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. I also 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 tenth day of 
May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-nine, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twenty-third.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 12, 1999]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 13.

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