[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 94 (Wednesday, May 15, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 34585-34586]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-12297]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 94 / Wednesday, May 15, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 34585]]

                Proclamation 7558 of May 10, 2002

                
Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                In the face of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 
                2001, our Nation witnessed the remarkable heroism of 
                America's peace officers as they selflessly aided those 
                in need. As the World Trade Center towers burned, 
                dedicated officers rushed into the severely damaged 
                buildings to rescue the injured. Seventy-two peace 
                officers died that day, trying to save others. These 
                supreme sacrifices remind us of the remarkable 
                commitment that our Nation's peace officers have made 
                to preserve our safety and our country's well-being.

                In all, 230 law enforcement officers gave their lives 
                in the line of duty last year. The name of each fallen 
                officer has a place of honor on the National Law 
                Enforcement Officers Memorial wall in Washington, D.C. 
                This monument ensures that the valor of the more than 
                15,000 law enforcement officers lost since 1794 will 
                never be forgotten.

                Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week pay tribute 
                to the local, State, and Federal law enforcement 
                officers who serve and protect us with courage and 
                dedication. These observances also remind us of the 
                ongoing need to be vigilant against all forms of crime, 
                especially to acts of extreme violence and terrorism.

                Effective law enforcement is a crucial element to 
                maintaining our quality of life; and we must continue 
                to ensure that our police have the financial, 
                technical, and civil support necessary to carry out 
                their responsibilities. The more than 740,000 sworn law 
                enforcement officers who are our first responders play 
                a critical role in our Nation's safety and security.

                Every American should also play a role in making our 
                communities safer. Programs operated through the 
                Citizen Corps, including Neighborhood Watch, Volunteers 
                in Police Service, and the Terrorism Information and 
                Prevention System, offer citizens the opportunity to 
                take a stand against crime. As we observe Peace 
                Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, I encourage all 
                Americans to learn more about ways to fight crime in 
                their communities and to honor the brave individuals 
                who protect our lives and property.

                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, 
                2002, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 12 through 
                May 18, 2002, as Police Week. I call on 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 on that day.

[[Page 34586]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-12297
Filed 5-14-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P