Proclamation 9884-Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2019
Issued 2019-05-10 by Donald J. Trump
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
This proclamation designates May 15, 2019, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 12-18 as Police Week. During this observance, the nation honors law enforcement officers who serve their communities and specifically remembers the 106 officers who died in the line of duty the previous year. The proclamation directs flags to be flown at half-staff on May 15 and calls on Americans to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies. The White House was lit in blue on that day as part of the observance.
This action affects all Americans by encouraging them to recognize and honor police officers, and it directs governors and officials to lower flags to half-staff. The proclamation also mentions ongoing administration efforts to support law enforcement, including Department of Justice initiatives that fund bulletproof vests, active shooter training, and mental health services for officers, as well as the Project Safe Neighborhoods crime prevention program.
This is a ceremonial proclamation that expresses national gratitude rather than creating new laws or obligations. Congress authorized presidents to issue this annual designation through legislation passed in 1962 and amended in later years, making it part of a longstanding tradition of presidential recognition for law enforcement service and sacrifice.
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Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9884-Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2019" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to peace officers memorial. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2019 Proclamation 9884—Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2019 May 10, 2019 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On Peace Officers Memorial Day and throughout Police Week, we express our unending gratitude to our Nation's law enforcement officers. Those brave men and women selflessly confront danger to protect our families and defend our communities. We also honor those in blue who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty. We are especially mindful of the tremendous sacrifices of the 106 heroes who laid down their lives last year while protecting their communities. My Administration is working on several fronts to enhance the health and safety of our Nation's law enforcement officers. The Department of Justice (DOJ) continues to promote initiatives that provide funding for bulletproof vests, active shooter training, the National Blue Alert System, and other programs that bolster the physical and mental health of those who protect us. We are making surplus military equipment available to law enforcement agencies. We are implementing the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act, which I signed into law last year, to improve the delivery of and access to mental health and w