[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7558]

Proc. 7558

Proclamation 7558 of 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.

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          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