For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 10, 2002
Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
In the face of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, our
Nation witnessed the remarkable heroism of America's peace officers as
they selflessly aided those in need. As the World Trade Center towers
burned, dedicated officers rushed into the severely damaged buildings
to rescue the injured. Seventy-two peace officers died that day,
trying to save others. These supreme sacrifices remind us of the
remarkable commitment that our Nation's peace officers have made to
preserve our safety and our country's well-being.
In all, 230 law enforcement officers gave their lives in the line
of duty last year. The name of each fallen officer has a place of
honor on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial wall in
Washington, D.C. This monument ensures that the valor of the more than
15,000 law enforcement officers lost since 1794 will never be
forgotten.
Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week pay tribute to the
local, State, and Federal law enforcement officers who serve and
protect us with courage and dedication. These observances also remind
us of the ongoing need to be vigilant against all forms of crime,
especially to acts of extreme violence and terrorism.
Effective law enforcement is a crucial element to maintaining our
quality of life; and we must continue to ensure that our police have
the financial, technical, and civil support necessary to carry out
their responsibilities. The more than 740,000 sworn law enforcement
officers who are our first responders play a critical role in our
Nation's safety and security.
Every American should also play a role in making our communities
safer. Programs operated through the Citizen Corps, including
Neighborhood Watch, Volunteers in Police Service, and the Terrorism
Information and Prevention System, offer citizens the opportunity to
take a stand against crime. As we observe Peace Officers Memorial Day
and Police Week, I encourage all Americans to learn more about ways to
fight crime in their communities and to honor the brave individuals who
protect our lives and property.
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, 2002, as Peace Officers Memorial
Day and May 12 through May 18, 2002, as Police Week. I call on
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 on that day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth
day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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