[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 20 (Monday, May 23, 2005)]
[Pages 808-809]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service

May 15, 2005

    Thank you all. Thank you for the warm welcome. It is an honor and a 
privilege to join you to pay our respects to our Nation's fallen law 
enforcement officers. Every year at the National Law Enforcement 
Officers Memorial, we add names of those who have been lost in the line 
of duty. All of these men and women served the cause of justice. Our 
Nation stands in admiration and gratitude for their service, and we ask 
God's blessings for their families and friends they have left behind.
    I want to thank Chuck Canterbury for his leadership of the National 
Fraternal Order of Police. He is a good friend, and I value his 
friendship. I want to thank Aliza Clark for her leadership as well, and 
Jim Pasco, who is the executive director of the National FOP. I want to 
thank Chaplain Ford for his beautiful blessings.
    I want to thank members of my Cabinet who are here: Attorney General 
Al Gonzales; Secretary Elaine Chao; Secretary Mike Chertoff. I thank the 
FBI Director, Bob Mueller, and the Director of ATF, Carl Truscott, for 
joining us.
    I appreciate the Members of Congress who are here. I want to thank 
Majority Leader Bill Frist, Senator Pat Leahy. Congressman Dave Reichert 
from Washington is here with us. He served as a law enforcement officer 
for over 30 years and received the 2004 National Sheriff's Association 
Sheriff of the Year Award. Congressman, I appreciate you coming, along 
with other Members of the Congress.
    I especially want to thank Darryl Worley for his beautiful 
performance of ``I Miss My Friend.''
    There are more than 800,000 men and women who serve as law 
enforcement in this country. When these brave Americans take the oath to 
serve and protect their fellow citizens, they answer a vital calling and 
accept a profound responsibility. Since America's early days, the badge 
has represented a pledge to protect the innocent, and Americans honor 
all who wear that badge.
    The tradition of sacrifice and service runs strong amongst law 
enforcement. The fallen officers we honor this afternoon honored that 
tradition of service and sacrifice, and the flag of the United States of 
America flies at half-staff today in memory of their courage.
    I thank all the family members who are with us today. Our Nation is 
grateful to you. We pray that you find strength to bear the loss. And 
you can know that our Nation will always remember and honor the ones you 
loved.
    I also thank all the law enforcement officers who have come here 
today to pay tribute to fallen comrades. The bonds between officers are 
strong, and you look out for each other on sunny mornings and in the 
shadows of danger. Your loyalty to one another and your service to 
America do great honor to our system of justice. Thank you for your 
service.
    We're a nation built on the rule of law, and the men and women who 
enforce those laws uphold America's role as a beacon for fairness and 
peace. And today we honor 415 new names added to the memorial wall.
    Among them are Detroit police officers Matthew Bowens and Jennifer 
Fettig. The officers were making a routine traffic stop when the suspect 
opened fire. Though Officer Bowens had already been shot several times, 
himself, his first concern was for his injured partner. Both officers 
gave their lives in protecting each other and their fellow citizens, and 
this Nation of ours will always honor them.
    Danger to law enforcement can come from the outskirts of a 
community, as it did to Bradford County, Pennsylvania, Deputy Chris 
Burgert. He and his partner, Deputy Mike VanKuren, were shot last March 
while trying to serve a bench warrant on a known criminal. Chris had 
been leading a drug investigation that often brought him face to face 
with danger on rural backroads. And his bravery had brought a string of 
successes

[[Page 809]]

against a dangerous and volatile set of criminals. His acts took unusual 
courage, and our Nation will be always grateful for his sacrifice.
    Danger can come even in what one thinks is routine investigation. 
Last May, Arizona police officer Don Schultz was diving for evidence in 
a murder case when he lost his life. Officer Schultz had been on the 
force for 19 years and was one of the department's master divers. He 
died in an act of devotion to duty that was common to him and will 
always remain extraordinary to us. These are just the examples of the 
brave we honor today.
    Every generation of Americans has produced men and women willing to 
stand watch for the rest of us. Every generation has lived under the 
protection of law enforcement. We must never take for granted the police 
officers of America.
    For each friend or family member here today, the engraving on the 
wall will always glow brightly around one name. We cannot soothe your 
grief or repay your loved one's sacrifice, but their names are inscribed 
permanently on this memorial. We acknowledge the lasting debt we owe 
them and offer the solemn thanks of a grateful nation.
    May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless the United 
States of America.

Note: The President spoke at 1:14 p.m. on the West Grounds at the U.S. 
Capitol. In his remarks, he referred to Chuck Canterbury, national 
president, James O. Pasco, Jr., executive director, and Kenneth W. Ford, 
national chaplain, National Fraternal Order of Police; Aliza Clark, 
president, National Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary; and entertainer 
Darryl Worley.