    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    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

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    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 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.
    GEORGE W. BUSH

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