[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 86 (Monday, May 5, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 23823-23824]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-11189]


 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 86 / Monday, May 5, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 23823]]


                Proclamation 7669 of April 30, 2003

                
Older Americans Month, 2003

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Advances in medicine, public health, science, and 
                technology are keeping Americans healthier and adding 
                years to our lives. As our population of senior 
                citizens continues to grow, our Nation remains 
                dedicated to fulfilling our promises to these valuable 
                members of our society. This year's observance of Older 
                Americans Month, ``What We Do Makes A Difference,'' 
                recognizes the important contributions of older 
                Americans and the network of services that support 
                them. Older Americans continue to work in a variety of 
                jobs, from teachers, to engineers, to business owners 
                and entrepreneurs, and in so doing bring invaluable 
                experience and leadership skills. Additionally, their 
                wisdom, strength, and compassion reflect the character 
                of our great Nation. During this month, we honor our 
                seniors and thank them for the lessons they teach us 
                and the strong values they instill in families and 
                communities throughout our country.

                Serving as examples to others, throughout our Nation 
                every day, older Americans are engaging in acts of 
                compassion. Over a half million members of the Senior 
                Corps are volunteering their time and talents to help 
                those in need. Retired doctors, nurses, police, and 
                firefighters are helping communities prepare for 
                emergencies, and countless other older Americans are 
                bringing comfort and care to their families and 
                neighbors. These individuals understand the importance 
                of service, and their efforts are helping to build a 
                more welcoming society. Many food banks, clothing 
                distribution programs, and other social service 
                activities of faith-based and community organizations 
                could not operate without the senior Americans who 
                volunteer in these efforts.

                As these individuals continue to work on our behalf, 
                our Nation is working to fulfill our obligations to 
                older Americans by providing them with good health care 
                and other services to enhance their lives. My 
                Administration is coordinating with State and Area 
                Agencies on Aging, and faith-based and community 
                organizations to better provide essential services, 
                such as meals, nutrition, counseling, and health 
                screening, to our seniors. Seven million older 
                Americans and their families are currently being served 
                by a large network of Federal, State, tribal, local 
                partnerships, and thousands of volunteers. The services 
                provided by these groups make it easier for older 
                Americans to remain in their homes, communities, and 
                the workplace, which helps preserve their dignity and 
                independence.

                In addition, our Medicare system is our binding 
                commitment as a caring society. When Medicare was 
                signed into law 38 years ago, it was designed to bring 
                the healing miracle of modern medicine to our senior 
                citizens. We must renew our commitment to giving 
                seniors access to the preventative medicines and new 
                drugs that are transforming health care in America. 
                Medicare must be available in a variety of forms, and 
                older Americans must have the opportunity to choose the 
                healthcare plan that best fits their needs. My 
                Administration will continue its efforts to improve 
                programs that support older Americans and to offer 
                innovative options for long-term care.

[[Page 23824]]

                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 2003 as Older Americans 
                Month. I commend our senior citizens for their many 
                contributions to our society. I further commend the 
                network of Federal, State, local, and tribal 
                organizations, service and healthcare providers, 
                caregivers, and millions of dedicated volunteers for 
                their daily efforts on behalf of our senior citizens. I 
                encourage all Americans to honor their elders, to find 
                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 
                thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand three, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-11189
Filed 5-2-03; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P