[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 119, 109th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7901--MAY 13, 2005

[[Page 3749]]
119 STAT. 3749

Proclamation 7901 of May 13, 2005
Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2005
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Across our Nation, the courageous men and women who protect our
communities wear the uniform and badge with pride as they safeguard our
families, homes, and communities. On Peace Officers Memorial Day and
Police Week, we honor the memory of those heroes who have fallen in the
line of duty and recognize all those who put themselves at risk in the
fight against crime, violence, and terrorism.
More than 800,000 men and women serve as officers of the law in the
United States. They serve in varying capacities, including as U.S.
Marshals, county sheriffs, deputies, State patrolmen, municipal police,
and Federal agents. They share the fundamental qualities of discipline,
integrity, and courage. Since our Nation's founding, peace officers have
upheld the rule of law and defended the innocent, and we are grateful to
them and their families for all they do to strengthen our communities.
On Peace Officers Memorial Day, we pause to remember those who have made
the ultimate sacrifice. These brave men and women accepted the
responsibilities of a noble calling and were willing to face danger for
our safety. By having their names engraved into the National Law
Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., and praying for their
families, we honor the memory of these fallen heroes and show the
respect of a grateful Nation.
During Police Week and throughout the year, I urge all Americans to
support law enforcement officers in the fight against crime. Every
citizen can assist his or her local police force to help make our
communities safer. Successful Citizen Corps programs like Neighborhood
Watch and Volunteers in Police Service are making a difference in the
lives of others, one heart and one neighborhood at a time. Information
about these and other volunteer programs can be obtained by visiting the
Citizen Corps website at citizencorps.gov. By working together, we can
continue to build a safer America.
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, 2005, as Peace Officers Memorial Day
and May 15 through May 21, 2005, 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 3750]]
119 STAT. 3750

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH