Law Day, U.S.A., 2001

Proclamation 7431 of April 30, 2001

Law Day, U.S.A., 2001

By the President of the United States of America

Proclamation

This year marks the 44th commemoration of May 1 as Law
Day, U.S.A., a national day of observance to celebrate
our legal heritage. On this occasion, we reflect on the
role our legal system plays in the lives of every
American and how the freedoms we enjoy would not be
possible without a strong and independent judiciary.
The theme of this year's Law Day, ``Ensuring the Rights
of Victims,'' acknowledges our gratitude for a legal
system that recognizes the importance of protecting the
rights of those who are victimized by crime.

This Law Day, I call upon all Americans to consider how
the law, communities, and individuals can better assist
and support victims of crime. We must continue to
strive for a legal system in which victims receive
timely and accurate information regarding offenders and
relevant public proceedings. In appropriate
circumstances, a victim of crime should have an
opportunity for restitution. In addition, social
services provided to victims of crime can give the
assistance and support that victims deserve in the
aftermath of crime.

We are encouraged by the progress our country has made
over the last three decades toward better assisting
those whose lives are affected by criminal offenses.
However, government and laws cannot effectively address
this issue alone. More than 10,000 State- or community-
based organizations provide help and hope to crime
victims. I encourage Americans to celebrate, support,
and consider joining these volunteers and other workers
in service to their fellow citizens.

Keeping faith with our commitment to the victims of
crime also drives us to increased efforts to prevent
crimes and effectively punish those who commit them, to
ensure that similar violations are discouraged and law-
abiding citizens are protected.

Law Day provides an opportunity to express appreciation
to professionals who accept the responsibility to serve
justice. From attorneys to judges to the many other
professionals working in our legal system, those who
serve justice uphold the rule of law on which our
democracy is built. They join with law enforcement
professionals to give our people confidence to live
without fear for their safety.

We must each do our part to build a Nation in which
civility and respect for our neighbors overwhelm the
powers of injustice. As Thomas Jefferson wrote, ``It is
reasonable that every one who asks justice should do
justice.'' I encourage all Americans to join with
members of the legal community in protecting the rights
of crime victims and in celebrating a legal system
that, while not perfect, is the best the world has ever
known.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2001, as Law Day,
U.S.A. I call upon all the people of the United States
to observe

this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I
also call upon Government officials to display the flag
of the United States in support of this national
observance.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand one, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.

(Presidential Sig.)B