For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 13, 2005
Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Across our Nation, the courageous men and women who protect our
communities wear the uniform and badge with pride as they safeguard our
families, homes, and communities. On Peace Officers Memorial Day and
Police Week, we honor the memory of those heroes who have fallen in the
line of duty and recognize all those who put themselves at risk in the
fight against crime, violence, and terrorism.
More than 800,000 men and women serve as officers of the law in the
United States. They serve in varying capacities, including as U.S.
Marshals, county sheriffs, deputies, State patrolmen, municipal police,
and Federal agents. They share the fundamental qualities of
discipline, integrity, and courage. Since our Nation's founding, peace
officers have upheld the rule of law and defended the innocent, and we
are grateful to them and their families for all they do to strengthen
our communities.
On Peace Officers Memorial Day, we pause to remember those who have
made the ultimate sacrifice. These brave men and women accepted the
responsibilities of a noble calling and were willing to face danger for
our safety. By having their names engraved into the National Law
Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., and praying for
their families, we honor the memory of these fallen heroes and show the
respect of a grateful Nation.
During Police Week and throughout the year, I urge all Americans to
support law enforcement officers in the fight against crime. Every
citizen can assist his or her local police force to help make our
communities safer. Successful Citizen Corps programs like Neighborhood
Watch and Volunteers in Police Service are making a difference in the
lives of others, one heart and one neighborhood at a time. Information
about these and other volunteer programs can be obtained by visiting
the Citizen Corps website at citizencorps.gov. By working together, we
can continue to build a safer America.
By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as amended, (76
Stat. 676), the Congress has authorized and requested the President to
designate May 15 of each year as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" and the
week in which it falls as "Police Week," and by Public Law 103 322, as
amended, (36 U.S.C. 136), has directed that the flag be flown at half
staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2005, as Peace Officers Memorial
Day and May 15 through May 21, 2005, as
Police Week. I call on all Americans to observe these events with
appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also call on Governors of the
United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as
appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the
flag be flown at half staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day. I further
encourage all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their
homes and businesses on that day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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