[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 19 (Monday, May 14, 2001)]
[Pages 723-724]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7435--Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2001

 May 8, 2001

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Each day, law enforcement officers encounter grave risk to protect 
the rights and freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Their commitment and 
sacrifice make our streets safer, our neighbor hoods stronger, and our 
families more secure. Police Week provides an opportunity to recognize 
the selfless dedication of the brave men and women who devote their 
lives to protecting and serving our communities.
    This Nation owes a considerable debt of gratitude to all law 
enforcement officers who protect the lives and property of their fellow 
Americans. From patrolling our highways, to investigating crime, to 
protecting victims' rights, these committed professionals make a 
valuable difference in our communities. We look to them to uphold the 
principle that no one is beyond the protection or reach of the law. 
These men and women, through their patriotic service and dedicated 
effort, have earned our gratitude and respect.
    We pause during Police Week, and in particular on Peace Officers 
Memorial Day, to honor those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice 
while performing their sworn duty. I urge all Americans to use this 
occasion to pay tribute to these fallen heroes by recalling their 
devotion, celebrating their lives, and honoring their service.
    Tragically, making America safer often requires great sacrifice. 
According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 150 
law enforcement officers lost their lives in the line of duty in 2000. 
Although we can never repay the debt we owe these valiant officers and 
their families, we pay tribute to their memory by committing ourselves 
to being law-abiding citizens, working to lower crime in our 
communities, and investing time and love in our Nation's young people.
    By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962 (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 (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, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2001, as Peace 
Officers Memorial Day and May 13 through May 19, 2001, as Police Week. I 
call upon all the people of the United States to observe this day with 
appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also call upon 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 also 
encourage all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their 
homes on that day.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of 
May, 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 10, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on May 9, and it was published in the Federal Register on May 
11.

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