Whereas: By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as amended (76 Stat. 676), the Congress has authorized and requested the President of the United States to designate May 15 of each year as “Peace Officers Memorial Day” and the week in which it falls as "Police Week”; and
Whereas: From our largest cities to our quietest crossroads, peace officers stand watch over our citizens, selflessly risking their lives to protect individuals, families, neighborhoods, and property against crime. We salute their courage, commitment, and service, and we honor those who have fallen in the line of duty; and
Whereas: Law enforcement officers are our guardians of life and property, defenders of the individual’s right to be free, warriors in the war against crime, and dedicated to the preservation of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting them by bringing our communities together to fight crime; and
Whereas: By enforcing our laws, America’s peace officers have given our citizens freedom from the fear of violence and civil disorder that affects many other nations; and
Whereas: The FBI lists in its Annual Crime Report that roughly 189 police officers are injured or disabled in the line of duty each day; and
Whereas: These men and women, by their patriotic service and their dedicated efforts, have earned the gratitude of citizens.
Now, Therefore, I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim that Friday, May 15, 2009, shall be observed as: Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 10 - 16, 2009, to be: Police Week in the State of Minnesota and do hereby order the Minnesota flag be flown at half-staff on state property from sunrise until sunset on May 15, 2009, in honor of federal, state, and municipal officers who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty.
