[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 18 (Monday, May 7, 2001)]
[Page 685]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7431--Law Day, U.S.A., 2001

April 30, 2001

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    This year marks the 44th commemoration of May 1 as Law Day, U.S.A., 
a national day of observance to celebrate our legal heritage. On this 
occasion, we reflect on the role our legal system plays in the lives of 
every American and how the freedoms we enjoy would not be possible 
without a strong and independent judiciary. The theme of this year's Law 
Day, ``Ensuring the Rights of Victims,'' acknowledges our gratitude for 
a legal system that recognizes the importance of protecting the rights 
of those who are victimized by crime.
    This Law Day, I call upon all Americans to consider how the law, 
communities, and individuals can better assist and support victims of 
crime. We must continue to strive for a legal system in which victims 
receive timely and accurate information regarding offenders and relevant 
public proceedings. In appropriate circumstances, a victim of crime 
should have an opportunity for restitution. In addition, social services 
provided to victims of crime can give the assistance and support that 
victims deserve in the aftermath of crime.
    We are encouraged by the progress our country has made over the last 
three decades toward better assisting those whose lives are affected by 
criminal offenses. However, government and laws cannot effectively 
address this issue alone. More than 10,000 State- or community-based 
organizations provide help and hope to crime victims. I encourage 
Americans to celebrate, support, and consider joining these volunteers 
and other workers in service to their fellow citizens.
    Keeping faith with our commitment to the victims of crime also 
drives us to increased efforts to prevent crimes and effectively punish 
those who commit them, to ensure that similar violations are discouraged 
and law-abiding citizens are protected.
    Law Day provides an opportunity to express appreciation to 
professionals who accept the responsibility to serve justice. From 
attorneys to judges to the many other professionals working in our legal 
system, those who serve justice uphold the rule of law on which our 
democracy is built. They join with law enforcement professionals to give 
our people confidence to live without fear for their safety.
    We must each do our part to build a Nation in which civility and 
respect for our neighbors overwhelm the powers of injustice. As Thomas 
Jefferson wrote, ``It is reasonable that every one who asks justice 
should do justice.'' I encourage all Americans to join with members of 
the legal community in protecting the rights of crime victims and in 
celebrating a legal system that, while not perfect, is the best the 
world has ever known.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2001, as Law Day, 
U.S.A. I call upon all the people of the United States to observe this 
day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also call upon 
Government officials to display the flag of the United States in support 
of this national observance.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day 
of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
fifth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 2, 2001]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on May 1, and it was published in the Federal Register on May 
3.