President Bush Speaks on Peace Officers Memorial Day

May 15, 2003 marked the fortieth anniversary of the annual police week celebration held in Washington, D.C., designed to remember the sacrifice of our nation’s law enforcement officers injured or killed in the line of duty. President George W. Bush spoke at a ceremony held there yesterday, where he thanked all police officers for their duty and sacrifice. "Today Americans join in tribute to a great profession and remember good men and women who have fallen in the line of duty," he said. "We recall their stories. We offer our heartfelt sympathy to their families and their colleagues. And we honor their distinguished service to the cause of justice and peace." People gathered in cities across the nation to remember friends and loved ones on May 15, National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) hosted a week of events in Washington, D.C. to honor the fallen. This year’s schedule included a candle light vigil, where the names of 377 fallen officers were officially added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, and the FOP/FOPA wreath-laying ceremony, both held at the memorial. Also, various groups held memorial ceremonies and Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) held seminars to help families and friends cope with deaths in the line of duty.