Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� July, 2004

Awards Ceremony to Present the Prime Minister's Commendations on Contributors to Public Safety Thursday, July 1, 2004 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi hosted an annual ceremony at the Prime Minister's Official Residence to commend individuals and organizations who have significantly contributed to public safety. The commendations for contributors to public safety are presented to recognize their great achievements in preventing the outbreak of disasters that could threaten daily life such as industrial disasters, traffic accidents and fires. The awards ceremony is held every year on July 1, designated as National Public Safety Day. At this year's awards ceremony, 25 individuals and organizations were presented the commendations on their achievements in such areas as traffic safety, school safety, industrial safety, fire prevention, safety in mountains, nuclear safety and transportation of emergency patients. At the beginning of the ceremony, Prime Minister Koizumi offered his words of congratulations by saying, "We must all be aware that each year nearly 39,000 lives are lost in unexpected accidents. It is vital for every one of us to fully pay attention to all aspects of our daily lives and to make every effort to prevent any accidents and disasters. I would like to express my heartfelt respect to all of you here today who have taken the initiative over the years in ensuring safety of the region, school environment and workplace among others."