[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 86 (Monday, May 5, 1997)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 24555]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-11819]



[[Page 24553]]

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Part II





The President





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Proclamation 6996--Older Americans Month, 1997

Proclamation 6997--Loyalty Day, 1997
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  Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 86 / Monday, May 5, 1997 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 24555]]

                Proclamation 6996 of May 1, 1997

                
Older Americans Month, 1997

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                 Each year we set aside the month of May as a special 
                time to pay tribute to older Americans and to 
                acknowledge their many contributions to our national 
                life. For the better part of this century, through 
                tough times and good times, these Americans have raised 
                families, strengthened our economy, defended our 
                Nation, and reaffirmed our deepest values. All of us 
                who are heirs to their service and sacrifice owe them a 
                profound debt of gratitude.

                 The theme of this year's observance, ``Caregiving: 
                Compassion in Action,'' reminds us of one of the most 
                important ways in which we can repay that debt. Each 
                day across America, some 22 million caregivers and 
                volunteers dedicate themselves to improving the quality 
                of life for older family members, friends, and 
                neighbors. By providing personal care, housekeeping, 
                transportation, and innumerable other services and 
                assistance, these caregivers enable many older 
                Americans to remain in their own homes and communities, 
                maintaining a precious measure of dignity and 
                independence.

                 As America's population of older Americans continues 
                to grow in number, we will have an even greater need to 
                call on the skills and compassion of caregivers. In 
                keeping with the spirit of service that is sweeping 
                across our Nation today, I ask that all Americans--
                every day, but especially during Older Americans 
                Month--reach out to an older person in need, sharing 
                time, talents, and attention with someone who has 
                already shared so much with us. By putting our 
                compassion in action to serve our older citizens, we 
                can build a more promising future for all our people.

                 Older Americans deserve our respect and support for 
                they have worked diligently in so many ways to enrich 
                and preserve the way of life we all enjoy. Our senior 
                citizens have woven the fabric of our Nation to 
                exemplify the values and beliefs that have made our 
                country great.

                 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 1997 as Older 
                Americans Month. I call upon Government officials, 
                businesses, communities, volunteers, educators, and all 
                the people of the United States to honor our older 
                Americans and acknowledge the important contributions 
                made by their caregivers, this month and throughout the 
                year.

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 97-11819
Filed 5-2-97; 10:56 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P