[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 18 (Monday, May 12, 2008)]
[Pages 678-679]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8255--Peace Officers' Memorial Day and Police Week, 2008

 May 9, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Across our Nation, law enforcement officers carry the great 
responsibility of protecting their fellow citizens. On Peace Officers' 
Memorial Day and during Police Week, we honor these brave public 
servants who

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fight crime, violence, and terrorism, and we pay homage to the heroes 
who have fallen in the line of duty.
    With valor and devotion, our country's law enforcement officers 
stand watch on the front lines and help make our communities safer and 
more secure. Fulfilling their duties with courage and commitment, they 
work tirelessly and put themselves in harm's way, exemplifying the good 
and decent character of America.
    As we observe Peace Officers' Memorial Day and Police Week, we pause 
to pay tribute to those who serve in law enforcement. On this occasion, 
we especially remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and 
we pray for the families and friends they have left behind. We thank all 
the extraordinary American men and women who have answered the call to 
serve in law enforcement for their commitment to justice and to their 
communities.
    By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as amended (76 Stat. 
676), and by Public Law 103-322, as amended (36 U.S.C. 136-137), the 
President has been authorized and requested to designate May 15 of each 
year as ``Peace Officers' Memorial Day'' and the week in which it falls 
as ``Police Week,'' and to direct 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, 2008, as Peace Officers' Memorial 
Day and May 11 through May 17, 2008, 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, officials of the other territories subject 
to the jurisdiction of the United States, 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 ninth day of 
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 13, 
2008]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on May 
14.