Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 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 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
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.