[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 20 (Monday, May 22, 2006)]
[Pages 929-931]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at the Peace Officers' Memorial Service

May 15, 2006

    Thank you all very much. Thank you. Thank you for the warm welcome, 
and thank you for the privilege of being able to join you today.
    Every year on this day, our Nation flies flags at half-staff in 
grateful memory of the officers who have lost their lives in the line of 
duty. I emphasize the word ``grateful,'' because we're a grateful nation 
for those who are willing to serve and to protect us all.
    Once again, we added names to the National Law Enforcement Officers' 
Memorial. And once again, we are here to pay our most sincere respects 
to those whose names have been added.
    I appreciate Chuck Canterbury's offer for me to come and speak--I 
really do, and I want to thank his service to the country by

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serving as president of the National Fraternal Order of the Police. I 
want to thank the members of my Cabinet who are here. I appreciate very 
much the Members of the United States Congress who have joined us, 
particularly Senator Frist and Senator Leahy. I want to thank Aliza 
Clark for her speech. I want to thank Ken Ford. I appreciate Vince Gill; 
he gave the best speech of the day. What a fantastic talent, and thank 
you for coming, Vince, to help heal the grief.
    Family members of the fallen officers, you're welcome here to the 
Nation's Capital. We're really honored you're here. I wish there was 
some way I could heal the hurt in your heart. I wish there was a way 
that we could help dry up the tears. I guess the best way I can help is 
to say, we love you, and we thank you for the sacrifice of your loved 
ones. And as we thank you for the sacrifice of your loved ones, we've 
got to thank those law enforcement officers who are trying to help you 
deal with your grief.
    The really interesting thing about the law enforcement community is, 
there's such a strong bond between those who serve on the frontlines of 
fighting crime. They sit by your side here in this important event; they 
hold your hand; they put their arm around you; they're the brothers and 
sisters who are trying to help you overcome the pain you're going 
through. I want to thank those who wear the Nation's uniform, who are 
helping our families who are here deal with the grief, and I thank those 
who wear the Nation's uniform for working hard to make America a 
peaceful place for those of us who live here.
    I know full well, as do all Americans, that in every community, 
whether it be a big community or a small community, there's a law 
enforcement officer on the job watching over the neighborhoods, ready 
for the next call. Each day in our country, more than 850,000 men and 
women go to work not knowing what the challenges might bring. Yet each 
day, they're committed to answering those challenges with courage and 
decisiveness.
    One of those who answered the call was Harvey County, Kansas, Deputy 
Sheriff Kurt Ford. Though Kurt Ford had left the law enforcement in 
2001, his heart really never left it. There's something about the law 
enforcement officer who is so committed to the job that his or her heart 
never leaves the job. He returned to service after the terrorist attacks 
on September the 11th.
    In April, he and a team responded to a domestic violence call early 
on a Saturday morning. When they arrived at the scene, Officer Ford was 
shot. It turns out, Officer Ford had run toward danger to protect the 
vulnerable. And today we honor courage of people like Officer Ford.
    The call came during the routine parts of the day, as it did to the 
Columbia, Missouri, Officer Molly Thomas-Bowden. When she was at a 
traffic stop, Officer Bowden was shot several times. Molly was married 
to a fellow police officer. She was known to all for her love of horses 
and her faithful and gentle spirit. Our Nation honors the service of 
people like Molly for her willingness to serve in making America a 
better place.
    You know, the call can come when it's least expected, as it did for 
Officer Larry Cox of Chillocothe, Ohio. A 19-year-old veteran of the 
police force, Officer Cox was off-duty when he stepped up to help fellow 
officers in pursuit of a suspect. He wasn't even on duty, and yet he 
knew deep in his soul he needed to help fellow officers in need. And he 
was shot and killed.
    Like many here who wear the uniform, Officer Cox worked with 
youngsters in the community in which they live. He was a DARE officer. 
One of the fifth graders he worked with said, ``We feel like you're our 
best friend; we'll always remember you.'' ``You're with God right now,'' 
is what the guy went on to say.
    These officers are among the names of those we added. Every one 
represents an extraordinary person. Every one took an oath and carried a 
badge and committed his or her life to keeping the peace and protecting 
others. Every one has brought honor to our Nation. And together they 
live in our national memory as Americans whose courage and commitment 
has shown the true meaning of heroism.
    And so this afternoon, on behalf of all Americans, I offer the 
respect of a grateful nation and pledge that their courage and sacrifice 
will never be forgotten.
    May God bless you all.

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Note: The President spoke at 12:43 p.m. on the West Grounds at the 
United States Capitol. In his remarks, he referred to Aliza Clark, 
president, National Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary; Kenneth W. 
Ford, national chaplain, National Fraternal Order of Police; and 
entertainer Vince Gill.