LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION recognizing May 15, 2010, as National Peace Offi-
cers Memorial Day

WHEREAS, National Peace Officers Memorial Day is held annually in the
United States on May 15 in honor of federal, state and local officers
killed or disabled in the line of duty; and
WHEREAS, Peace Officers Memorial Day came into effect on October 1,
1961, when Congress asked the President to designate May 15 to honor law
enforcement officers; President John F Kennedy signed the bill into law
on October 1, 1962; and
WHEREAS, Each year, the President of the United States proclaims May
15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week of each year
during which such May 15 occurs as Police Week; and
WHEREAS, Paying tribute to the local, State, and Federal law enforce-
ment officers who serve and protect us with courage and dedication,
National Peace Officers Memorial Day observances also remind us of the
ongoing need to be vigilant against all forms of crime, especially to
acts of extreme violence and terrorism; and
WHEREAS, Much of Peace Officers Memorial Day centers on the National
Law Enforcement Officers Memorial wall in Washington, D.C., whose walls
feature the names of the more than 17,000 law enforcement officers who
have been killed in the line of duty; and
WHEREAS, During National Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week
many people in the United States pay tribute to officers who lost their
lives or were injured in the performance of their duties; many busi-
nesses and community members across the Nation, especially those who
lost family members or colleagues who were peace officers, will lower
their flags in remembrance of law enforcement officers killed in the
line of duty; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those dedicated
public servants who unselfishly devote and sacrifice their lives to the
preservation of order and the protection of others are worthy and due
full praise for their commitment and noble endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's and our State's law enforcement officers deserve
to be recognized, commended and thanked by the people of the State of
New York for their service, sacrifice and dedication to their communi-
ties, their State and their Nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize May 15, 2010, as National Peace Officers Memorial Day.