For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 1, 2001
Law Day, U.S.A., 2001
By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation
This year marks the 44th commemoration of May
1 as Law Day, U.S.A., a national day of observance to celebrate our
legal heritage. On this occasion, we reflect on the role our
legal system plays in the lives of every American and how the freedoms
we enjoy would not be possible without a strong and independent
judiciary. The theme of this year's Law Day, "Ensuring the
Rights of Victims," acknowledges our gratitude for a legal system that
recognizes the importance of protecting the rights of those who are
victimized by crime.
This Law Day, I call upon all Americans to
consider how the law, communities, and individuals can better assist
and support victims of crime. We must continue to strive for
a legal system in which victims receive timely and accurate information
regard-ing offenders and relevant public proceedings. In
appropriate circumstances, a victim of crime should have an opportunity
for restitution. In addition, social services provided to
victims of crime can give the assistance and support that victims
deserve in the aftermath of crime.
We are encouraged by the progress our country
has made over the last three decades toward better assisting those
whose lives are affected by criminal offenses. However,
government and laws cannot effectively address this issue
alone. More than 10,000 State- or community-based
organizations provide help and hope to crime victims. I
encourage Americans to celebrate, support, and consider joining these
volunteers and other workers in service to their fellow citizens.
Keeping faith with our commitment to the
victims of crime also drives us to increased efforts to prevent crimes
and effec-tively punish those who commit them, to ensure that similar
violations are discouraged and law-abiding citizens are protected.
Law Day provides an opportunity to express
appreciation to professionals who accept the responsibility to serve
justice. From attorneys to judges to the many other
professionals working in our legal system, those who serve justice
uphold the rule of law on which our democracy is built. They
join with law enforce-ment professionals to give our people confidence
to live without fear for their safety.
We must each do our part to build a Nation in
which civility and respect for our neighbors overwhelm the powers of
injustice. As Thomas Jefferson wrote, "It is reasonable that every one
who asks justice should do justice." I encourage all
Americans to join with members of the legal community in protecting the
rights of crime victims and in celebrating a legal system that, while
not perfect, is the best the world has ever known.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President
of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in
me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby
proclaim May 1, 2001, as Law Day, U.S.A. I call upon all the
people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate
ceremonies and activities. I also call upon Government
officials to display the flag of the United States in support of this
national observance.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my
hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand
one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and twenty-fifth.
GEORGE
W. BUSH
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