    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
    [May 13, 1995]
    [Page 687]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement Honoring Law Enforcement Officers
    May 13, 1995

        You are gathered here tonight to honor the memory of 298 of your
    fellow law enforcement officers who laid down their lives to make our
    society more lawful and our lives more secure. In the finest tradition
    of America's law enforcement, every day these officers took to the
    streets and put the safety and well-being of other Americans above their
    own. By giving their lives to uphold the rule of law, these officers
    made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedom. They are American
    heroes, and I thank them and their families on behalf of a grateful
    nation.
        Tonight then, as you add the names of these brave men and women to
    the many thousands of fallen officers whose names already adorn the
    walls of this great memorial, let us honor the memory of all of these
    officers by rededicating ourselves to restoring the line between right
    and wrong and purging our society of the dark forces that threaten our
    common peace, our freedom, and our way of life.

    Note: Attorney General Janet Reno read the statement to participants
    assembled at the National Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial for the
    seventh annual candlelight vigil.