[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 87 (Monday, May 6, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 30313-30314]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-11294]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 87 / Monday, May 6, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 30313]]


                Proclamation 7551 of May 1, 2002

                
Older Americans Month, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Our Nation's strength and vitality reside in our 
                citizens. Each year in May, we honor and recognize 
                older Americans for their important sacrifices and 
                contributions to our society. Our seniors have cared 
                for their families and communities, enhanced our 
                economic prosperity, defended our Nation, and preserved 
                and protected the Founders' vision. Their commitment to 
                our future sets an inspiring example for all. And their 
                resilience, fortitude, and experience provide us with 
                important perspectives and insights as we face the 
                challenges of a new era.

                The theme of this year's observance, ``America: A 
                Community for All Ages,'' reminds us that all citizens, 
                regardless of age, are essential to successful and safe 
                communities. The celebration also recognizes the 
                extended role seniors play in our families, 
                communities, and workplaces, as they live longer, 
                healthier, and more productive lives. Drawing on their 
                considerable knowledge and experience, older Americans 
                mentor at-risk children, deliver meals to homebound 
                seniors, and care for frail or chronically ill family 
                members. Others embark on exciting new careers or 
                engage in challenging themselves in athletic 
                competitions. In addition, many seniors have answered 
                my call to service by becoming involved in the Senior 
                Corps domestic service program, which is administered 
                by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

                As we celebrate the lives of older Americans, we also 
                renew our dedication to their well-being. My 
                Administration strongly supports measures that protect 
                the promise of retirement and healthcare security for 
                seniors. We must modernize our Medicare and Medicaid 
                programs so that seniors can access the best medicines 
                and treatments. We must secure a good prescription drug 
                benefit program for all our seniors. We must also 
                continue to support medical research that is 
                specifically targeted to the health problems of older 
                Americans. By supporting flexible and innovative forms 
                of long-term care, we can reduce the demands of caring 
                for an elderly or disabled loved one. And we must 
                strengthen financial security by protecting Social 
                Security for today's retirees by encouraging private 
                saving among all Americans, giving individuals more 
                control over their investments.

                This year's observance of Older Americans Month also 
                marks the 30th anniversary of the Older Americans Act 
                Nutrition Program, one of our most vital, community-
                based programs for seniors. Managed by the 
                Administration on Aging and supported by the private 
                sector and countless nonprofit organizations, the 
                program has provided nearly 6 billion meals to senior 
                centers and other group settings and to those who are 
                homebound. It has also provided nutrition counseling 
                and opportunities for health screening. For many 
                elderly, this program has made a tremendous impact on 
                their quality of life.

                By maintaining and improving programs that assist older 
                Americans, we help these important citizens enjoy 
                longer, healthier, and more productive lives. During 
                this month, I join all Americans in paying tribute to 
                the achievements and contributions of our greatest 
                generation and reaffirming our commitment to their 
                well-being.

[[Page 30314]]

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, 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 2002 as Older Americans 
                Month. I commend the national aging network of State, 
                local, and tribal organizations, service and healthcare 
                providers, caregivers, and millions of dedicated 
                volunteers for your daily efforts on behalf of our 
                senior citizens. I encourage all Americans to honor 
                their elders, to seek opportunities to address their 
                needs, and to work together to reinforce the bonds that 
                unite families and communities. I also call upon all 
                our citizens to publicly reaffirm our Nation's 
                commitment to older Americans 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 two thousand 
                two, and of the Independence of the United States of 
                America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-11294
Filed 5-3-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P