~ Annual recognition was first approved by the U.S. Congress in 1962 ~

Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty has ordered that United States and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff on state property from sunrise until sunset on Thursday, May 15, 2008, in honor of the federal, state, and municipal officers who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty. President Bush has also ordered the United States flag at half-staff at all federal buildings on that day and requested that all appropriate officials of all units of government direct that the United States flag be flown at half-staff.

The following is the text of the Governor’s official proclamation:

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: Every day across the country, 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. This week, we salute these men and women for their courage, commitment, and service, and we honor those who have fallen in the line of duty. We also reaffirm our commitment to supporting law enforcement by bringing our communities together to fight crime; and

WHEREAS: The police officers of America have worked selflessly on behalf of the people of this nation, regardless of peril or hazard to themselves; 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 are dedicated to the preservation of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and

WHEREAS: By enforcing our laws, peace officers have given our citizens freedom from fear of the 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 Thursday, May 15, 2008, shall be observed as: PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY and the week of May 11 – 17, 2008, 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 May 15, 2008, until sunset on May 15, 2008, in honor of the federal, state, and municipal officers who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty.