[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 19 (Monday, May 13, 2002)]
[Pages 800-801]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7558--Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2002

 May 10, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    In the face of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, our 
Nation witnessed the remarkable heroism of America's peace officers as 
they selflessly aided those in need. As the World Trade Center towers 
burned, dedicated officers rushed into the severely damaged buildings to 
rescue the injured. Seventy-two peace officers died that day, trying to 
save others. These supreme sacrifices remind us of the remarkable 
commitment that our Nation's peace officers have made to preserve our 
safety and our country's well-being.
    In all, 230 law enforcement officers gave their lives in the line of 
duty last year. The name of each fallen officer has a place of honor on 
the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial wall in Washington, D.C. 
This monument ensures that the valor of the more than 15,000 law 
enforcement officers lost since 1794 will never be forgotten.
    Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week pay tribute to the 
local, State, and Federal law enforcement officers who serve and protect 
us with courage and dedication. These observances also remind us of the 
ongoing need to be vigilant against all forms of crime, especially to 
acts of extreme violence and terrorism.
    Effective law enforcement is a crucial element to maintaining our 
quality of life; and we must continue to ensure that our police

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have the financial, technical, and civil support necessary to carry out 
their responsibilities. The more than 740,000 sworn law enforcement 
officers who are our first responders play a critical role in our 
Nation's safety and security.
    Every American should also play a role in making our communities 
safer. Programs operated through the Citizen Corps, including 
Neighborhood Watch, Volunteers in Police Service, and the Terrorism 
Information and Prevention System, offer citizens the opportunity to 
take a stand against crime. As we observe Peace Officers Memorial Day 
and Police Week, I encourage all Americans to learn more about ways to 
fight crime in their communities and to honor the brave individuals who 
protect our lives and property.
    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, 2002, as Peace Officers Memorial 
Day and May 12 through May 18, 2002, as Police Week. I call on 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 on that day.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of 
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 14, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on May 
15.