Flag at half-staff, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, Washington, DC
Posted on 05/15/2007 9:27:55 AM PDT by SwinneySwitch
Residents, businesses, governments reminded to honor America's fallen law enforcement heroes
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tuesday, May 15 - Peace Officers Memorial Day - flags across the United States are to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of the nearly 18,000 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in our nation's history.
This tribute to American law enforcement is part of the historic crime bill signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1994. At the request of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Public Law 103-322 designates Peace Officers Memorial Day as one of only two days during which all residents, businesses and government agencies are required to lower their U.S. flags. The other day with this honor is Memorial Day, which commemorates those who died in military service to the country.
"Lowering flags on Peace Officers Memorial Day is an appropriate way to show our respect for those brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice and to remember the family, friends and colleagues they left behind," said Craig W. Floyd, NLEOMF chairman. "It also is an important reminder of the continued service and sacrifice of the 800,000 law enforcement officers who protect our communities and safeguard our democracy day in and day out."
In 1962, President John Kennedy designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. The calendar week in which May 15 falls is National Police Week, with this year's commemoration on May 13-19.
As part of National Police Week, the names of 145 law enforcement officers killed in 2006, as well as 237 others who died in prior years, will be formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., during the 19th Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13.
MEDIA CONTACT: Kevin Morison, 202-737-7134
Ok, that answers my question about why the Post Office flag is half mast again today. I swear, there are more days at half mast than days flying high. I think we may be going overboard with this.
Owl_Eagle
If what I just wrote made you sad or angry,
it was probably just a joke.
I'm inclined to agree with you. A day of remembrance is great but I've always preferred to keep the nation's flag flying high as much as possible. Someone will get a rope burn with all the flag hoisting and lowering
Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2007
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
White House News
In every American community, committed law enforcement officers watch over our neighborhoods and work to make our Nation a safer, more peaceful place. As we observe Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, we honor the men and women who serve the cause of justice, and we pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
By taking an oath to serve and protect their fellow citizens, law enforcement officers answer a vital calling and accept a profound responsibility. These extraordinary Americans work to uphold our laws and serve on the front lines in the fight against crime and terrorism.
We owe a lasting debt to those who sacrificed their lives while serving and protecting our fellow citizens. These fallen officers live on in our national memory as Americans whose courage and commitment have shown the true meaning of heroism. We offer our respect and prayers to their loved ones.
On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, we recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women whose devotion to duty brings honor to our system of justice and makes America a better place.
By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as amended, (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, as amended, (36 U.S.C. 136), has directed that the flag be flown at half staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2007, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 13 through May 19, 2007, as Police Week. I call on 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, as well as 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 eleventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.
GEORGE W. BUSH
While I support remembering LEOs killed in the line of duty, what about the victims killed by out-of-control LEOs in unwarranted no-knock raids, etc.
“....Peace Officers Memorial Day as one of only two days during which all residents, businesses and government agencies are required to lower their U.S. flags. The other day with this honor is Memorial Day,(May 28, 2007), which commemorates those who died in military service to the country.”
Sorry,
My dad was an Army MP
I remember as a kid being told that the Flag never flew at half staff except for the passing of a President. Now, we do it for every heart tug that comes along.
Interesting question to those who may remember: did it fly at half staff for Pearl Harbor in 1941?
Official Dates to fly half-Staff:
Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15th
Memorial Day, last Monday in May (Flag raised to full staff at noon)
Korean War Veterans Day, July 27th
Patriot Day, September 11th
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, December 7th
I'm currently a city police officer. Also been to a few police funerals. I'm just one who has always thought that mourning with the flag at half staff should be reserved for our military. I imagine thats probably due to my helping out around te American Legion with my pop when younger
When I fly a flag at half mast it is for Veterans and no one else!
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