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 Proclamations Proc. 7877 service has also strengthened our democracy, and their contributions have made America a better place. As we address the challenges of the 21st century, the United States and Greece remain committed partners in the vital work of advancing freedom and democracy. Our two Nations are founded on shared ideals of liberty, and we are working together to advance those ideals across the world today. 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 March 25, 2005, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty- ninth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7877 of March 31, 2005 National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2005 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In proclaiming the first Victims' Rights Week in 1981, President Reagan said, "it is time all of us paid greater heed to the plight of victims." Since then, America has made great progress in treating crime victims with great- er respect, meeting their needs, and providing them with help, hope, and healing. Each year, during National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we re- member those who have lost their lives in violent crimes. We also renew our commitment to address the needs of victims and their families and to build public awareness of crime victims' rights. The violent crime rate is at its lowest point in three decades. We must re- main steadfast in our efforts to make America safer for all citizens and fair- er for victims of crime. The Department of Justice has received historic lev- els of funding for programs to protect women and prosecute criminals. Family Justice Centers are helping local communities provide comprehen- sive services to victims of domestic crime and their loved ones. State and local law enforcement officials are continuing to serve the public and assist victims of crime. I signed into law the Justice for All Act of 2004, which expands DNA testing and enhances the scope and enforceability of crime victims' rights. As we work to combat crime and support victims, we must also ensure the fairness and effectiveness of our criminal justice system. All 50 States and the Federal Government have passed important legal protections for victims of violent crime, and more than half the States have amended their con- stitutions to guarantee rights for victims. My Administration continues to 35

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