III
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 140
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 11, 2009
Mr. Leahy (for himself, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Rockefeller, Mr. Kohl, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Feingold, Mr. Kaufman, and Mr. Merkley) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
RESOLUTION
Commemorating and acknowledging the dedication and sacrifice made by the men and women who have lost their lives while serving as law enforcement officers.
Whereas the well-being of all citizens of the United States is preserved and enhanced as a direct result of the vigilance and dedication of law enforcement personnel;
Whereas more than 900,000 men and women, at great risk to their personal safety, presently serve their fellow citizens as guardians of the peace;
Whereas peace officers are on the front lines in protecting the schools and schoolchildren of the United States;
Whereas 133 peace officers across the United States were killed in the line of duty during 2008;
Whereas Congress should strongly support initiatives to reduce violent crime and to increase the factors that contribute to the safety of law enforcement officers, including—
equipment of the highest quality and modernity;
increased availability and use of bullet-resistant vests;
improved training; and
advanced emergency medical care;
Whereas there are recorded 18,274 Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty while protecting their fellow citizens, and whose names are engraved upon the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, District of Columbia;
Whereas in 1962, President John F. Kennedy designated May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day;
Whereas on May 15, 2009, more than 20,000 peace officers are expected to gather in Washington, District of Columbia, to join with the families of their recently fallen comrades to honor those comrades and all others who went before them: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate—
recognizes May 15, 2009, as National
Peace Officers Memorial Day
, in honor of the Federal, State, and local
law enforcement officers that have been killed or injured in the line of duty;
and
calls on the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremony, solemnity, appreciation, and respect.