    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [May 15, 2005]
    [Pages 797-799]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the National Peace Officers Memorial Service
    May 15, 2005

        Thank you all. Thank you for the warm welcome. It is an honor and a
    privilege to join you to pay our respects to our Nation's fallen law
    enforcement officers. Every year at the National Law Enforcement
    Officers Memorial, we add names of those who have been lost in the line
    of duty. All of these men and women served the cause of justice. Our
    Nation stands in admiration and gratitude for their service, and we ask
    God's blessings for their families and friends they have left behind.

        I want to thank Chuck Canterbury for his leadership of the National Fraternal Order of
    Police. He is a good friend, and I value his friendship. I want to thank
    Aliza Clark for her leadership as well, and Jim
    Pasco, who is the executive director of
    the National FOP. I want to thank Chaplain Ford for his beautiful blessings.
        I want to thank members of my Cabinet who are here: Attorney General
    Al Gonzales; Secretary Elaine
    Chao; Secretary Mike Chertoff. I thank the FBI Director, Bob Mueller, and the Director of ATF, Carl
    Truscott, for joining us.
        I appreciate the Members of Congress who are here. I want to thank
    Majority Leader Bill Frist, Senator Pat
    Leahy. Congressman Dave Reichert from Washington is here with us. He served as a law
    enforcement officer for over 30 years and received the 2004 National
    Sheriff's Association Sheriff of the Year Award. Congressman, I
    appreciate you coming, along with other Members of the Congress.
        I especially want to thank Darryl Worley
    for his beautiful performance of ``I Miss My Friend.''
        There are more than 800,000 men and women who serve as law
    enforcement in

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    this country. When these brave Americans take the oath to serve and
    protect their fellow citizens, they answer a vital calling and accept a
    profound responsibility. Since America's early days, the badge has
    represented a pledge to protect the innocent, and Americans honor all
    who wear that badge.
        The tradition of sacrifice and service runs strong amongst law
    enforcement. The fallen officers we honor this afternoon honored that
    tradition of service and sacrifice, and the flag of the United States of
    America flies at half-staff today in memory of their courage.
        I thank all the family members who are with us today. Our Nation is
    grateful to you. We pray that you find strength to bear the loss. And
    you can know that our Nation will always remember and honor the ones you
    loved.
        I also thank all the law enforcement officers who have come here
    today to pay tribute to fallen comrades. The bonds between officers are
    strong, and you look out for each other on sunny mornings and in the
    shadows of danger. Your loyalty to one another and your service to
    America do great honor to our system of justice. Thank you for your
    service.
        We're a nation built on the rule of law, and the men and women who
    enforce those laws uphold America's role as a beacon for fairness and
    peace. And today we honor 415 new names added to the memorial wall.
        Among them are Detroit police officers Matthew Bowens and Jennifer Fettig. The officers were making a routine traffic stop when the
    suspect opened fire. Though Officer Bowens had already been shot several
    times, himself, his first concern was for his injured partner. Both
    officers gave their lives in protecting each other and their fellow
    citizens, and this Nation of ours will always honor them.
        Danger to law enforcement can come from the outskirts of a
    community, as it did to Bradford County, Pennsylvania, Deputy Chris
    Burgert. He and his partner, Deputy
    Mike VanKuren, were shot last March
    while trying to serve a bench warrant on a known criminal. Chris had
    been leading a drug investigation that often brought him face to face
    with danger on rural backroads. And his bravery had brought a string of
    successes against a dangerous and volatile set of criminals. His acts
    took unusual courage, and our Nation will be always grateful for his
    sacrifice.
        Danger can come even in what one thinks is routine investigation.
    Last May, Arizona police officer Don Schultz was diving for evidence in a murder case when he lost his
    life. Officer Schultz had been on the force for 19 years and was one of
    the department's master divers. He died in an act of devotion to duty
    that was common to him and will always remain extraordinary to us. These
    are just the examples of the brave we honor today.
        Every generation of Americans has produced men and women willing to
    stand watch for the rest of us. Every generation has lived under the
    protection of law enforcement. We must never take for granted the police
    officers of America.
        For each friend or family member here today, the engraving on the
    wall will always glow brightly around one name. We cannot soothe your
    grief or repay your loved one's sacrifice, but their names are inscribed
    permanently on this memorial. We acknowledge the lasting debt we owe
    them and offer the solemn thanks of a grateful nation.
        May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless the United
    States of America.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:14 p.m. on the West Grounds at the U.S.
    Capitol. In his remarks, he referred to Chuck Canterbury, national
    president, James O. Pasco, Jr., executive director, and Kenneth W. Ford,
    national chaplain, National Fraternal Order of Police; Aliza Clark,
    president, National Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary; and entertainer
    Darryl Worley. The Peace Officers

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    Memorial Day and Police Week proclamation of May 13 is listed in
    Appendix D at the end of this volume.