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Skriven 2005-05-13 23:34:34 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0505137) for Fri, 2005 May 13
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Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2005
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 13, 2005

Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America




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.

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

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