Washington, DC—”On behalf of our Chairman, former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, and our entire Board of Directors, I want to pay a heartfelt tribute to President George H. W. Bush as our nation mourns his death after a full and incredible 94 years of life. President Bush was a valued friend of law enforcement and was especially supportive of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
“In 1989, he led the groundbreaking ceremony for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Two years later, President Bush and his wife, Barbara, dedicated the national monument honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s law enforcement officers and their families. The Memorial proudly bears an inscription from President Bush’s groundbreaking speech that reads, ‘Carved on these walls is the story of America, of a continuing quest to preserve both democracy and decency, and to protect a national treasure that we call the American dream.’
“Most recently, President Bush, along with President Clinton, chaired the National Honorary Campaign Committee for the National Law Enforcement Museum, which was dedicated this past October 11. At the Museum’s dedication ceremony, President George W. Bush delivered a video statement on behalf of his father, saying, ‘Dad got involved in this effort because he knew the Museum would teach visitors about the vital role that law enforcement plays in our society. And, just as importantly, he knew this Museum would help enrich the relationship between our peace officers and the public they serve and protect.’
“In 2002, our organization presented our annual Distinguished Service Award to President Bush in honor of his outstanding support for law enforcement and the Memorial Fund. In accepting the award, President Bush stated, ‘To the officers who continue to carry out this proud tradition of service and sacrifice, thank you for the important difference you are making in our lives. And, to the survivors of the fallen, please know that we will always stand behind you and will be forever grateful for the sacrifices that you and your loved ones have made to protect our freedoms and to preserve our safety.’”
About the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a private non-profit organization dedicated to telling the story of American law enforcement and making it safer for those who serve. The Memorial Fund maintains the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, which contains the names of 21,541 officers who have died in the line of duty throughout U.S. history. The Memorial Fund recently opened the new National Law Enforcement Museum, which tells the story of American law enforcement by providing visitors a “walk in the shoes” experience. The Museum is working to expand and enrich the relationship shared by law enforcement and the community through the Museum’s educational journeys, immersive exhibitions, and insightful programs. For more information, visit www.LawMemorial.org.
Steve Groeninger
[email protected]
(202) 737-7135