[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 19 (Monday, May 14, 2007)]
[Pages 622-623]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8144--Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2007

 May 11, 2007

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    In every American community, committed law enforcement officers 
watch over our neighborhoods and work to make our Nation a safer, more 
peaceful place. As we observe Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police 
Week, we honor the men and women who serve the cause of justice, and we 
pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
    By taking an oath to serve and protect their fellow citizens, law 
enforcement officers answer a vital calling and accept a profound 
responsibility. These extraordinary Americans work to uphold our laws 
and serve on the front lines in the fight against crime and terrorism.
    We owe a lasting debt to those who sacrificed their lives while 
serving and protecting our fellow citizens. These fallen officers live 
on in our national memory as Americans whose courage and commitment have 
shown the true meaning of heroism. We offer our respect and prayers to 
their loved ones.
    On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, we recognize 
and honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women whose devotion 
to duty brings honor to our system of justice and makes America a better 
place.
    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, 2007, as Peace Officers Memorial Day 
and May 13 through May 19, 2007, 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.

[[Page 623]]

    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of 
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:08 a.m., May 14, 
2007]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on May 
15.