[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12860]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE SERVICE OF SENIOR CITIZENS IN GRAYSON COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 18, 2008

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to 
honor the Senior Citizens of Grayson County for all of their services 
rendered to the community, and I would especially like to acknowledge 
the dedication exhibited by Harold and Hazel Wright of Sherman, Texas.
  Harold and Hazel have been extremely active and influential in their 
community for over 20 years. They represented the Texoma Council of 
Governments at the White House Conference on Aging two years ago and 
were crowned Mr. & Mrs. Senior Citizen of Grayson County. It is because 
of dedicated individuals such as the Wrights that President George W. 
Bush fittingly proclaimed the month of May, `Older Americans Month' on 
April 22nd of this year.
  During Older Americans Month, we recognize the many ways older 
citizens have enriched our Nation through their character, wisdom, and 
service. America's seniors provide an example for younger generations, 
and during Older Americans Month, we reflect on their efforts toward 
building a stronger and brighter future for all. Our country remains 
forever in their debt, as older Americans have provided a guiding light 
for the rest of the Nation to follow.
  With this in mind, I and Rep. Frank Pallone introduced H.R. 3701, 
Keeping Seniors Safe from Falls Act in September of 2007. I was pleased 
when Congress approved the bill, which was later signed by the 
President of the United States and made public law. This legislation 
will develop effective strategies to raise awareness about elder falls, 
encourage research, and support demonstration projects to help prevent 
falls among senior citizens, as Elder falls are one of the leading 
risks for Americans 65 years old and above. The Secretary of Health and 
Human Services will oversee and support demonstrations, research 
projects, and grants for local and state education campaigns to help 
achieve these goals. The legislation was endorsed by the Falls Free 
Coalition Advocacy Work Group, led by the National Council on Aging, 
the National Safety Council, the Home Safety Council, AARP, the 
American Occupational Therapy Association, and the American Physical 
Therapy Association.
   Our country remains strong because of the foundation our elders have 
helped lay, and we commend older Americans for the many contributions 
they have made and will continue to make to our Nation.

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