[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 86 (Thursday, May 3, 2001)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 22423-22424]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-11359]



[[Page 22421]]

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Part IV





The President





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Proclamation 7431--Law Day, U.S.A.
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  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 86 / Thursday, May 3, 2001 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 22423]]

                Proclamation 7431 of April 30, 2001

                
Law Day, U.S.A., 2001

                By the President of the United States of America

                Proclamation

                This year marks the 44th commemoration of May 1 as Law 
                Day, U.S.A., a national day of observance to celebrate 
                our legal heritage. On this occasion, we reflect on the 
                role our legal system plays in the lives of every 
                American and how the freedoms we enjoy would not be 
                possible without a strong and independent judiciary. 
                The theme of this year's Law Day, ``Ensuring the Rights 
                of Victims,'' acknowledges our gratitude for a legal 
                system that recognizes the importance of protecting the 
                rights of those who are victimized by crime.

                This Law Day, I call upon all Americans to consider how 
                the law, communities, and individuals can better assist 
                and support victims of crime. We must continue to 
                strive for a legal system in which victims receive 
                timely and accurate information regarding offenders and 
                relevant public proceedings. In appropriate 
                circumstances, a victim of crime should have an 
                opportunity for restitution. In addition, social 
                services provided to victims of crime can give the 
                assistance and support that victims deserve in the 
                aftermath of crime.

                We are encouraged by the progress our country has made 
                over the last three decades toward better assisting 
                those whose lives are affected by criminal offenses. 
                However, government and laws cannot effectively address 
                this issue alone. More than 10,000 State- or community-
                based organizations provide help and hope to crime 
                victims. I encourage Americans to celebrate, support, 
                and consider joining these volunteers and other workers 
                in service to their fellow citizens.

                Keeping faith with our commitment to the victims of 
                crime also drives us to increased efforts to prevent 
                crimes and effectively punish those who commit them, to 
                ensure that similar violations are discouraged and law-
                abiding citizens are protected.

                Law Day provides an opportunity to express appreciation 
                to professionals who accept the responsibility to serve 
                justice. From attorneys to judges to the many other 
                professionals working in our legal system, those who 
                serve justice uphold the rule of law on which our 
                democracy is built. They join with law enforcement 
                professionals to give our people confidence to live 
                without fear for their safety.

                We must each do our part to build a Nation in which 
                civility and respect for our neighbors overwhelm the 
                powers of injustice. As Thomas Jefferson wrote, ``It is 
                reasonable that every one who asks justice should do 
                justice.'' I encourage all Americans to join with 
                members of the legal community in protecting the rights 
                of crime victims and in celebrating a legal system 
                that, while not perfect, is the best the world has ever 
                known.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2001, as Law Day, 
                U.S.A. I call upon all the people of the United States 
                to observe

[[Page 22424]]

                this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I 
                also call upon Government officials to display the flag 
                of the United States in support of this national 
                observance.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand one, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 01-11359
Filed 5-2-01; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P