[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 20 (Monday, May 19, 2003)]
[Pages 577-578]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7675--Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2003

 May 9, 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 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.

[[Page 578]]

    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

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 13, 
2003]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 14. 
This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.