[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 19 (Monday, May 15, 2006)]
[Page 915]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8014--Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2006

May 11, 2006

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Every day, our Nation's dedicated law enforcement officers put 
themselves at risk to keep their fellow Americans safe. As we observe 
Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, we pay tribute to the 
courageous men and women who have lost their lives protecting us, and we 
honor all those who wear the badge and keep the peace.
    The law enforcement officers of today carry on the long and proud 
tradition of service built by their predecessors. With valor and 
distinction, these citizens stand watch over us all and work hard to 
fight crime, violence, and terrorism in communities across America. We 
are a country built on the rule of law, and our Nation is grateful to 
the men and women who enforce those laws and uphold the fairness and 
peace we treasure.
    Law enforcement officers deserve our appreciation for the work they 
do, and citizens fulfill an important civic responsibility by supporting 
their work to protect our communities. Through organizations like 
Citizen Corps, men and women are assisting their local police force, 
fire department, and neighborhood watch program. More information about 
Citizen Corps volunteer opportunities can be found at citizencorps.gov. 
I encourage all Americans to help fight crime in their communities by 
volunteering and participating in crime prevention organizations. By 
working together, we can achieve a better and more secure future for our 
children and grandchildren.
    On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, we honor the 
heroism of all our law enforcement officers, especially those who have 
given their lives so that others might live. They performed their jobs 
with extraordinary distinction, and a proud and grateful Nation will 
always remember their service and sacrifice. We ask God's blessings for 
the families and friends they left behind.
    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, 2006, as Peace Officers Memorial Day 
and May 14 through May 20, 2006, 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 eleventh day of 
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 15, 2006]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on May 
16.