[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 95 (Wednesday, May 15, 1996)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 24661]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-12418]




[[Page 24659]]


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Part VII





The President





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Proclamation 6894--Older American Month, 1996

Proclamation 6895--Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 1996
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  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 15, 1996 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 24661]]

                Proclamation 6894 of May 13, 1996

                
Older Americans Month, 1996

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                America's high standard of living, advanced health care 
                system, and commitment to better nutrition and physical 
                fitness have allowed millions of our citizens the 
                luxury of long and fulfilling lives. Because current 
                estimates indicate that one in six Americans will be 65 
                or older by the year 2020, our Nation faces new 
                challenges as we seek to address the needs of this 
                growing population of seniors.

                Fortunately, many of our older Americans--who have 
                already led the way in setting a sound course for our 
                country's future--are helping us to meet these new 
                challenges as well. Having lived through times of 
                depression and war, peace and prosperity, they have 
                shaped our progress with their achievements. The safety 
                net they created--including Social Security, Medicare, 
                Medicaid, and the provisions of the Older Americans 
                Act--helps us to honor our debt to senior citizens and 
                ensures that Americans who have worked hard throughout 
                their lives can look forward to a secure retirement.

                Each year, we set aside the month of May as a special 
                time to pay tribute to older Americans and to affirm 
                our obligation to sustain and improve their quality of 
                life. The theme of this year's observance, ``Aging: A 
                Lifetime Opportunity,'' underscores the gifts that 
                older people offer to our country every day. Thanks to 
                senior citizens, our communities are stronger, our 
                Nation is more diverse, and we are better prepared to 
                meet the challenges of the next century.

                As we celebrate the contributions of all those in their 
                golden years, let us recognize that long life is a gift 
                we must cherish and a responsibility for which we must 
                prepare. With an eye toward the future and with the 
                example of today's seniors firmly before us, we can 
                prepare for a better tomorrow for ourselves and for the 
                generations of Americans to come.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, 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 May 1996, as Older Americans 
                Month. I call upon Government officials, businesses, 
                communities, volunteers, educators, and all the people 
                of the United States to acknowledge the contributions 
                made by older Americans this month and throughout the 
                year.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen 
                hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and twentieth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 96-12418
Filed 5-14-96; 11:55 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P