Administration of George W. Bush, 2001 / May 14 and State prosecutors, to support investiga- to making that a reality. And now to explain tors, to provide training, and develop and the program is a fine American, a great promote community outreach efforts. All Attorney General, John Ashcroft. newly appointed United States attorneys will be directed to certify to the Attorney General that the new comprehensive gun NOTE: The President spoke at 11:32 a.m. at violence program has been implemented in the Pennsylvania Convention Center. In his their districts. We’re going to reduce gun remarks, he referred to Mayor John F. Street violence in America, and those who commit of Philadelphia; and Gov. Tom Ridge, Lt. crimes with guns will find a determined Gov. Mark S. Schweiker, and Attorney Gen- adversary in my administration. eral Mike Fisher of Pennsylvania. The Peace ‘‘Domestic tranquility’’ is a phrase made Officers Memorial Day and Police Week famous in this city. Project Safe Neighbor- proclamation of May 8 is listed in Appendix hoods is one step, and an important step, D at the end of this volume. Remarks Honoring the 2000 Women’s National Basketball Association Champion Houston Comets May 14, 2001 Well, thank you all for coming. It’s my proven that you’re some of the greatest ath- honor to welcome the first Texas team to letes in the world, but also some of the the White House since I’ve been fortunate greatest people in the world. I had the enough to be the President. It seems like honor of living in the State of Texas when it’s becoming quite a habit. Sheryl was playing for Texas Tech. And Thank you very much, Nancy, for com- I remember how proud we were—and I ing. It’s my honor to welcome two Texas also remember—when you won the na- Congressmen, Ken Bentsen and John tional championship. But I also remember Culberson. We welcome you all here, as watching you and Cynthia Cooper and well. I understand that Val Ackerman is other stars, when it comes to character, here, and I want to congratulate you for perform your acts of kindness in our com- your vision, a true sports entrepreneur who munities around the State of Texas. has really put the effort and energy to I think the WNBA also is—not only make the WNBA the success it has been. showcases athletic talent but it attracts a America owes you a debt of gratitude; par- lot of young fans to see their stars perform. ticularly, a dad of twins owes you a debt And so I want to thank our young fans of gratitude—women twins. who are here today. I want to thank the coach for coming, I’m also mindful that those of us in posi- as well. It turns out every single champion- tions of responsibility must uphold the re- ship team that comes to the White House sponsibility with dignity and class. And this has got a lot of ingredients, but one is franchise has done that. I know your hard a coach that is really good at what he does. work in the Houston area when it comes So Mr. Coach, congratulations on returning, to helping people who may have cancer. and I suspect I’ll see you here next year. I know of your work in the neighborhoods I love the idea of women’s—of heralding around Houston by putting on clinics to women’s athletics. And one of the great teach young men and women what it means things about the Comets is that you’ve to have clean minds and clean bodies. And 527 VerDate Dec 13 2002 12:33 May 21, 2003 Jkt 193361 PO 00000 Frm 00527 Fmt 1240 Sfmt 1240 E:\HR\OC\193361A.016 193361A May 14 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2001 for that, I’m grateful. And for that, I wel- wife of Houston Comets owner Leslie Alex- come you to the White House and con- ander; Val Ackerman, president, Women’s gratulate you on being true champs. National Basketball Association; and Hous- ton Comets coach Van Chancellor, player NOTE: The President spoke at 4:22 p.m. in Sheryl Swoopes, WNBA 2000 Player of the the East Room at the White House. In his Year, and retired player Cynthia Cooper. remarks, he referred to Nancy Alexander, Remarks at the Peace Officers Memorial Service May 15, 2001 Thank you all very much. Please be seat- hard hours to protect our citizens; someone ed. Gil, thank you very much for your who, when we’re in trouble, will face a friendship and your eloquence. It’s my threat in our defense; someone who, when honor to be here. I’m pleased to be joined we are in danger, will rush to our aid, by three fine members of my Cabinet, even in complete disregard to his or her General Ashcroft and Secretary O’Neill and own safety. Secretary Chao. I thank you all for joining One of the names recorded on the Na- us. I appreciate the Members of the United tional Law Enforcement Officers Memorial States Congress being here. Thank you for is that of Patrolman Mickey Cullinane of letting us share these beautiful grounds. Sea Island City, New Jersey. He died trying I’m so thankful for the beautiful voices to rescue a man lying at the bottom of that are here today. Officer Rodriguez, I’ve a deep pit. A witness described the obvious heard a lot of national anthems in my day; dangers at the scene. He recalled every- that was one of the greatest. Thank you body said, ‘‘You can’t go down there.’’ But very much, sir. Not bad for a New York some people can’t see someone in trouble cop. [Laughter] And Billy, thank you very and walk away. Mickey did—he didn’t walk much for sharing your God-given talents away. He did what the courageous do. with us, as well. In the daily lives of Americans, such mo- It is an honor to welcome you all here ments of emergency are rare, thankfully on these beautiful grounds, and it’s a honor rare. For most, the violent moments never to be among the people in law enforcement come at all. And there’s a reason for this, who are here today. And it’s a special privi- and it’s simply not good fortune. The rea- lege to be able to say hello and God bless son is you, the officers of the law, your to the many widows and family members bravery, and the courage you show every of the fallen officers. It’s truly my privilege. day in wearing the uniform. As President, I feel a special connection And it’s always been that way. Every gen- with the officers of the law. I meet many eration of Americans has produced men of you as I travel around our country, and and women willing to stand watch over the of course, on a daily basis I’m surrounded rest of us. Every generation has lived under by some of the finest men and women I your protection. And we must never take have ever met in my life. for granted the police officers of America. The same is true for all Americans, but We have a solemn obligation to give in a less visible way. Everywhere, from the thanks and credit to law enforcement offi- greatest city to the quietest of crossroads cers who are no longer with us. We honor, in America, there is someone working long, as well, the ones who have so bravely faced 528 VerDate Dec 13 2002 12:33 May 21, 2003 Jkt 193361 PO 00000 Frm 00528 Fmt 1240 Sfmt 1240 E:\HR\OC\193361A.016 193361A.