    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [May 15, 2006]
    [Pages 927-928]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service
    May 15, 2006

        Thank you all very much. Thank you. Thank you for the warm welcome,
    and thank you for the privilege of being able to join you today.
        Every year on this day, our Nation flies flags at half-staff in
    grateful memory of the officers who have lost their lives in the line of
    duty. I emphasize the word ``grateful,'' because we're a grateful nation
    for those who are willing to serve and to protect us all.
        Once again, we added names to the National Law Enforcement Officers'
    Memorial. And once again, we are here to pay our most sincere respects
    to those whose names have been added.
        I appreciate Chuck Canterbury's offer
    for me to come and speak--I really do--and I want to thank his service
    to the country by serving as president of the National Fraternal Order
    of the Police. I want to thank the members of my Cabinet who are here. I
    appreciate very much the Members of the United States Congress who have
    joined us, particularly Senator Frist and Senator
    Leahy. I want to thank Aliza Clark for her speech. I want to thank Ken Ford. I appreciate Vince Gill; he gave
    the best speech of the day. What a fantastic talent, and thank you for
    coming, Vince, to help heal the grief.
        Family members of the fallen officers, you're welcome here to the
    Nation's Capital. We're really honored you're here. I wish there was
    some way I could heal the hurt in your heart. I wish there was a way
    that we could help dry up the tears. I guess the best way I can help is
    to say, we love you, and we thank you for the sacrifice of your loved
    ones. And as we thank you for the sacrifice of your loved ones, we've
    got to thank those law enforcement officers who are trying to help you
    deal with your grief.
        The really interesting thing about the law enforcement community is
    there's such a strong bond between those who serve on the frontlines of
    fighting crime. They sit by your side here in this important event; they
    hold your hand; they put their arm around you; they're the brothers and
    sisters who are trying to help you overcome the pain you're going
    through. I want to thank those who wear the Nation's uniform, who are
    helping our families who are here deal with the grief, and I thank those
    who wear the Nation's uniform for working hard to make America a
    peaceful place for those of us who live here.
        I know full well, as do all Americans, that in every community,
    whether it be a big community or a small community, there's a law
    enforcement officer on the job watching over the neighborhoods, ready
    for the next call. Each day in our country, more than 850,000 men and
    women go to work not knowing what the challenges might bring. Yet each
    day, they're committed to answering those challenges with courage and
    decisiveness.
        One of those who answered the call was Harvey County, Kansas, Deputy
    Sheriff Kurt Ford. Though Kurt Ford had left the law enforcement in
    2001, his heart really never left it. There's something about the law
    enforcement officer who is so committed to the job that his or her heart
    never leaves the job. He returned to service after the terrorist attacks
    on September the 11th.
        In April, he and a team responded to a domestic violence call early
    on a Saturday morning. When they arrived at the scene, Officer Ford was
    shot. It turns out, Officer Ford had run toward danger to protect the
    vulnerable. And today we honor courage of people like Officer Ford.

    [[Page 928]]

        The call came during the routine parts of the day, as it did to the
    Columbia, Missouri, Officer Molly Thomas-Bowden. When she was at a
    traffic stop, Officer Bowden was shot several times. Molly was married
    to a fellow police officer. She was known to
    all for her love of horses and her faithful and gentle spirit. Our
    Nation honors the service of people like Molly for her willingness to
    serve in making America a better place.
        You know, the call can come when it's least expected, as it did for
    Officer Larry Cox of Chillocothe, Ohio. A 19-year-old veteran of the
    police force, Officer Cox was off-duty when he stepped up to help fellow
    officers in pursuit of a suspect. He wasn't even on duty, and yet he
    knew deep in his soul he needed to help fellow officers in need. And he
    was shot and killed.
        Like many here who wear the uniform, Officer Cox worked with
    youngsters in the community in which they live. He was a DARE officer.
    One of the fifth graders he worked with said, ``We feel like you're our
    best friend. We'll always remember you.'' ``You're with God right now,''
    is what the guy went on to say.
        These officers are among the names of those we added. Every one
    represents an extraordinary person. Every one took an oath and carried a
    badge and committed his or her life to keeping the peace and protecting
    others. Every one has brought honor to our Nation. And together they
    live in our national memory as Americans whose courage and commitment
    has shown the true meaning of heroism.
        And so this afternoon, on behalf of all Americans, I offer the
    respect of a grateful nation and pledge that their courage and sacrifice
    will never be forgotten.
        May God bless you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 12:43 p.m. on the West Grounds at the U.S.
    Capitol. In his remarks, he referred to Aliza Clark, president, National
    Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary; Kenneth W. Ford, national chaplain,
    National Fraternal Order of Police; and entertainer Vince Gill. The
    Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week proclamation of May 11 is
    listed in Appendix D at the end of this volume.