[american_flag_uk]

The flag of the United States is to be lowered to half staff on Thursday 15 May 2008.

Peace Officers' Memorial Day and Police Week, 2008
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America


White House News

Across our Nation, law enforcement officers carry the great responsibility of
protecting their fellow citizens. On Peace Officers' Memorial Day and during
Police Week, we honor these brave public servants who fight crime, violence, and
terrorism, and we pay homage to the heroes who have fallen in the line of duty.

With valor and devotion, our country's law enforcement officers stand watch on
the front lines and help make our communities safer and more secure. Fulfilling
their duties with courage and commitment, they work tirelessly and put
themselves in harm's way, exemplifying the good and decent character of America.


As we observe Peace Officers' Memorial Day and Police Week, we pause to pay
tribute to those who serve in law enforcement. On this occasion, we especially
remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and we pray for the
families and friends they have left behind. We thank all the extraordinary
American men and women who have answered the call to serve in law enforcement
for their commitment to justice and to their communities.

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," and to direct
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, 2008, as Peace Officers' Memorial Day and May 11 through
May 17, 2008, 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, officials of the other
territories subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, 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 ninth day of May, in the
year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH

[Robin Hickman]

GREETINGS !!!


Today is May 15th, 2009 : "Peace Officers' Memorial Day".


As in past years, May 15th is known as "Peace Officers' Memorial Day". And, as in past years, "Peace Officers' Memorial Day" is also part of "Police Week".

ALL Americans are urged to fly their American Flags at Half-Staff today (Sunrise to Sunset) to honor those police officers who have given their lives in the line of duty during the past year.

Here is a link to the May 11th, 2009 Presidential Proclamation, followed by a copy of the proclamation.


http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Presidential-Proclamation-Peace-Officers-Memorial-Day-and-Police-Week/


The text of this year's Presidential Proclamation is as follows :

=============================================

PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY AND POLICE WEEK, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Every day, peace officers put on their uniforms and go to work to safeguard America's communities and uphold the freedoms we hold dear. This week we honor their contributions and sacrifice.

Law enforcement officers routinely place themselves in harm's way to protect people they do not and will not know. They serve willingly and devotedly, and their commitment is essential for us to maintain a healthy quality of life, a strong economy, the safety of our families, and a robust national security system.

My Administration is working to keep Americans safe and to strengthen the Federal partnership with America's peace officers. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which I recently signed, makes $4 billion available for State and local law enforcement. This provision will save or create thousands of law enforcement jobs across the country through the revitalized Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring Recovery Program. The Recovery Act also provides $2 billion through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. These measures will put more officers on the street and help those already serving to perform their jobs more effectively.

The benefits that peace officers provide come with great sacrifice. Every year, many give their lives in the performance of their duties. Their contributions live on in the communities they strengthened, and their service will never be forgotten. This week, as we recognize their commitment to duty, we renew our pledge to support their families and colleagues.

The President has been requested to designate May 15 of each year as Peace Officers Memorial Day in honor of all Federal, State, and local officers killed or disabled in the line of duty, and to designate that week as Police Week in recognition of their service given to the United States (36 U.S.C. 136-37).

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2009, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 10 through May 16, 2009, 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 eleventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

BARACK OBAMA

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As you can see in this picture, I am flying my American Flag at Half-Staff out in front of my house today to commemorate "Peace Officers' Memorial Day". It is a 3'x5' Annin & Co "SunGlo" Flag mounted on an 8'x1.25" wood pole.

The Flag is not at "exactly" Half-Staff, because to do so would cause it to drag the ground during calm conditions (no wind).

PeaceOfficersMemorialDay-HalfStaff-400x300.JPG


Robin Hickman