[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 95 (Wednesday, May 15, 1996)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 24663]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-12419]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 15, 1996 /
Presidential Documents
[[Page 24663]]
Proclamation 6895 of May 13, 1996
Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 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.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 96-12419
Filed 5-14-96; 11:54 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P
