"A Nation Unites for Victims' Rights" National Observance

This year marks the 23^rd commemoration of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, a longstanding observance that honors those who bring honor to victims, and pays tribute to millions of people in America who have been hurt by crime.

For the first time in the history of the crime victims' movement, a national observance sponsored by the Office for Victims of Crime, and co-sponsored by national victim assistance and allied professional organizations to commemorate National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) will be held in Washington, D.C. "A Nation Unites for Victims' Rights" hopes to bring together crime victims and those who serve them at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial on April 10^th to observe this year's NCVRW theme — Victims' Rights: Fulfill the Promise — in an environment that:

• Offers support and honor to people who have been victimized by crime.
• Provides a place to respectfully honor crime victims, including homicide family survivors whose deceased loved ones have not been found, for a communal tribute to their loved ones' lives and loss.
• Celebrates the 20-year anniversary of the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, which has provided a strong vision and leadership to promote victims' rights and services for the past two decades.
• Recognizes the significant accomplishments of the past 31 years of our nation's victims' rights movement.
• Addresses the challenges we face to ensure that all victims of crime receive the support and services, and implementation of their rights, that they need and deserve.

This special event will include a national commemoration and candlelight ceremony that features:

• "Fulfilling the Promise to Crime Victims" remarks by John Gillis, Director, Office for Victims of Crime, U.S. Department of Justice
• Recognition of the 2003 OVC Crime Victim Services Award recipients.
• Public recognition and displays of "promises to crime victims" from across the nation.
• Lighting of candles to commemorate and honor crime victims in America.
• Musical performances.
• Information about the many resources available from the Office for Victims of Crime, U.S. Department of Justice.