[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 20 (Monday, May 17, 2004)]
[Page 846]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7784--Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2004

 May 7, 2004

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Law enforcement officers are among America's greatest heroes. Every 
day, these men and women protect our families, homes, businesses, and 
communities.
    Our dedicated peace officers put themselves at great risk while 
working tirelessly on the front lines in the fight against crime, 
violence, and terrorism. According to the National Law Enforcement 
Officers Memorial Fund, last year, 145 law enforcement officers made the 
ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in the line of duty, while 
thousands of others were injured protecting our citizens from harm. On 
Peace Officers Memorial Day and throughout Police Week, we honor the 
memory of the fallen and recognize those who devote their lives to 
enforcing our laws, bringing criminals to justice, and making America 
safer and better.
    Over the past year, many in our law enforcement community have been 
activated as Reservists or members of the National Guard. We are 
grateful to these officers and all our military personnel for answering 
the call to service, for their commitment to duty, and for the 
sacrifices they are making in defense of freedom.
    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.''
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2004, as Peace Officers Memorial Day 
and May 9 through May 15, 2004, as Police Week. I call on all Americans 
to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of 
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 12, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 13. 
This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.