For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 15, 2005
President Honors Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service
United States Capitol
Washington, D.C.
1:14 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. Thank you for the warm welcome. It
is an honor and a privilege to join you to pay our respects to our
nation's fallen law enforcement officers. Every year at the National
Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, we add names of those who have been
lost in the line of duty. All of these men and women served the cause
of justice. Our nation stands in admiration and gratitude for their
service, and we ask God's blessings for the families and friends they
have left behind.
I want to thank Chuck Canterbury for his leadership of the National
Fraternal Order of Police. He is a good friend and I value his
friendship. I want to thank Aliza Clark for her leadership, as well;
and Jim Pasco, who is the Executive Director of the National FOP. I
want to thank Chaplain Ford for his beautiful blessings. I want to
thank members of my Cabinet who are here: Attorney General Al
Gonzales; Secretary Elaine Chao; Secretary Mike Chertoff. I thank the
FBI Director, Bob Mueller; and the Director of ATF, Carl Truscott, for
joining us.
I appreciate the members of Congress who are here. I want to thank
Majority Leader Bill Frist; Senator Pat Leahy. Congressman Dave
Reichert, from Washington, is here with us. He served as a law
enforcement officer for over 30 years, and received the 2004 National
Sheriffs Association Sheriff of the Year Award. Congressman, I
appreciate you coming, along with other members of the Congress.
I especially want to thank Darryl Worley for his beautiful
performance of "I Miss My Friend."
There are more than 800,000 men and women who serve as law
enforcement in this country. When these brave Americans take the oath
to serve and protect their fellow citizens, they answer a vital calling
and accept a profound responsibility. Since America's early days, the
badge has represented a pledge to protect the innocent -- and Americans
honor all who wear that badge.
The tradition of sacrifice and service runs strong amongst law
enforcement. The fallen officers we honor this afternoon honored that
tradition of service and sacrifice -- and the flag of the United States
of America flies at half-staff today in memory of their courage.
I thank all the family members who are with us today. Our nation
is grateful to you. We pray that you find strength to bear the loss.
And you can know that our nation will always remember and honor the
ones you loved.
I also thank all the law enforcement officers who have come here
today to pay tribute to fallen comrades. The bonds between officers
are strong -- and you look out for each other on sunny mornings and in
the shadows of danger. Your loyalty to one another and your service to
America do great honor to our system of justice. Thank you for your
service.
We're a nation built on the rule of law, and the men and women who
enforce those laws uphold America's role as a beacon for fairness and
peace. And, today, we honor 415 new names added to the memorial wall.
Among them are Detroit police officers Matthew Bowens and Jennifer
Fettig. The officers were making a routine traffic stop when the
suspect opened fire. Though Officer Bowens had already been shot
several times, himself, his first concern was for his injured partner.
Both officers gave their lives in protecting each other and their
fellow citizens, and this nation of ours will always honor them.
Danger to law enforcement can come from the outskirts of a
community, as it did to Bradford County Pennsylvania Deputy Chris
Burgert. He and his partner, Deputy Mike Van Kuren, were shot last
March while trying to serve a bench warrant on a known criminal. Chris
had been leading a drug investigation that often brought him face to
face with danger on rural back roads. And his bravery had brought a
string of successes against a dangerous and volatile set of criminals.
His acts took unusual courage, and our nation will be always grateful
for his sacrifice.
Danger can come even in what one thinks is routine investigation.
Last May, Arizona police officer Don Schultz was diving for evidence in
a murder case when he lost his life. Officer Schultz had been on the
force for 19 years and was one of the department's master divers. He
died in an act of devotion to duty that was common to him, and will
always remain extraordinary to us. These are just the examples of the
brave we honor today.
Every generation of Americans has produced men and women willing to
stand watch over the rest of us. Every generation has lived under the
protection of law enforcement. We must never take for granted the
police officers of America. (Applause.)
For each friend or family member here today, the engraving on the
wall will always glow brightly around one name. We cannot soothe your
grief or repay your loved one's sacrifice -- but their names are
inscribed permanently on this memorial. We acknowledge the lasting
debt we owe them, and offer the solemn thanks of a grateful nation.
May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless the United
States of America. (Applause.)
END 1:20 P.M. EDT
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