[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 19 (Monday, May 16, 2005)]
[Pages 801-802]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7901--Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2005

 May 13, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Across our Nation, the courageous men and women who protect our 
communities wear the uniform and badge with pride as they safeguard our 
families, homes, and communities. On Peace Officers Memorial Day and 
Police Week, we honor the memory of those heroes who have fallen in the 
line of duty and recognize all those who put themselves at risk in the 
fight against crime, violence, and terrorism.
    More than 800,000 men and women serve as officers of the law in the 
United States. They serve in varying capacities, including as U.S. 
Marshals, county sheriffs, deputies, State patrolmen, municipal police, 
and Federal agents. They share the fundamental qualities of discipline, 
integrity, and courage. Since our Nation's founding, peace officers have 
upheld the rule of law and defended the innocent, and we are grateful to 
them and their families for all they do to strengthen our communities.
    On Peace Officers Memorial Day, we pause to remember those who have 
made the ultimate sacrifice. These brave men and women accepted the 
responsibilities of a noble calling and were willing to face danger for 
our safety. By having their names engraved into the National Law 
Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., and praying for their 
families, we honor the memory of these fallen heroes and show the 
respect of a grateful Nation.
    During Police Week and throughout the year, I urge all Americans to 
support law enforcement officers in the fight against crime. Every 
citizen can assist his or her local police force to help make our 
communities safer. Successful Citizen Corps programs like Neighborhood 
Watch and Volunteers in Police Service are making a difference in the 
lives of others, one heart and one neighborhood at a time. Information 
about these and other volunteer programs can be obtained by visiting the 
Citizen Corps website at citizencorps.gov. By working together, we can 
continue to build a safer America.
    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, 2005, as Peace Officers Memorial 
Day and May 15 through May 21, 2005, 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

[[Page 802]]

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 thirteenth day 
of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:58 a.m., May 17, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on May 
18.