[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 93 (Wednesday, May 14, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 26195-26196]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-12196]



[[Page 26193]]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Part V





The President





-----------------------------------------------------------------------



Proclamation 7675--Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2003



Proclamation 7676--National Defense Transportation Day and National 
Transportation Week, 2003



Proclamation 7677--National Safe Boating Week, 2003
 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 93 / Wednesday, May 14, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

 ___________________________________________________________________

 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 26195]]

                Proclamation 7675 of May 9, 2003

                
Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2003

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Every day across the country, from our largest cities 
                to our quietest crossroads, peace officers stand watch 
                over our citizens, selflessly risking their lives to 
                protect individuals, families, neighborhoods, and 
                property against crime. This week, we salute these men 
                and women for their courage, commitment, and service, 
                and we honor those who have fallen in the line of duty. 
                We also reaffirm our commitment to supporting law 
                enforcement by bringing our communities together to 
                fight crime.

                Peace officers fulfill a great calling in upholding the 
                rule of law in our society. Law enforcement officers 
                choose their profession and take their oaths knowing 
                that theirs is a dangerous job. They accept these 
                risks, answering the call of duty and demonstrating a 
                willingness to serve that reflects the best of America.

                As they work to protect our communities, peace officers 
                often place themselves in harm's way. Some make the 
                ultimate sacrifice in defense of others. During Police 
                Week, and particularly on Peace Officers Memorial Day, 
                we pay tribute to the 148 law enforcement officers who 
                gave their lives in the line of duty last year. Those 
                who have fallen are remembered in our hearts and in the 
                memory of our country. Through their service and 
                sacrifice, they have earned our Nation's respect and 
                gratitude.

                As we honor these fallen heroes, we should also resolve 
                to support all law enforcement officers by becoming 
                active in the fight against crime. Strong communities 
                and neighborhoods help deter crime. By coming together 
                as neighbors, and by looking out for each other, 
                Americans can assist law enforcement in preventing 
                crime in our communities and also help secure our 
                homeland from the threat of terrorism. In the new world 
                we face since September 11, one of our best defenses is 
                a vigilant public working with law enforcement to help 
                protect our land.

                I created the USA Freedom Corps to foster a culture of 
                service, citizenship, and responsibility in America, 
                and to provide opportunities for Americans to get 
                involved in helping their communities. A key component 
                of Freedom Corps is the Citizen Corps, which helps 
                coordinate volunteer activities that make our 
                communities safer, stronger, and better prepared for 
                emergencies. Since the Citizens Corps was launched last 
                year, more than 500 Citizen Corps Councils have been 
                established, bringing together first responders, local 
                government officials, and volunteer service 
                organizations.

                Volunteers are also working with police departments 
                through more than 430 Volunteers in Police Service 
                programs in our Nation. Additionally, the number of 
                registered Neighborhood Watch groups continues to grow. 
                To build on these successes, we should continue to 
                strengthen partnerships between citizens and local law 
                enforcement and work to engage more volunteers in 
                public safety and emergency preparedness. By joining 
                together to fight crime, we honor the memory and uphold 
                the legacy of all those who gave their lives to 
                preserve our safety and security.

                By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as 
                amended, (76 Stat. 676), the Congress has authorized 
                and requested the President to designate May

[[Page 26196]]

                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, 
                2003, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 11 through 
                May 17, 2003, 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 
                ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand 
                three, and of the Independence of the United States of 
                America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-12196
Filed 5-13-03; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P