    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 7727 of October 30, 2003

    National Hospice Month, 2003

    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    Hospice care plays an important role in American medicine by easing a
    patient's suffering while reaffirming individual dignity in a familiar,
    comfortable environment. Across our Nation, hospice care providers are
    assisting in hospitals, nursing homes, and private residences, offering
    physical, emotional, and spiritual support to patients who often have a
    short life expectancy.
    Hospice teams consist of physicians, nurses, social workers, counselors,
    and volunteers who are experts in end-of-life issues. They offer pain
    management, therapy, nutrition, and other supportive care in the home or
    other comfortable surroundings, making it easier for patients, family
    members, and friends to spend time together in their loved one's final
    days. Hospice experts also offer grief counseling to friends and family
    members after their loss.
    Every stage of human life deserves to be treated with respect and care.
    I commend all those who work and volunteer as hospice care providers.
    Their contributions make our Nation a better place.
    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 November 2003 as National
    Hospice Month. I encourage Americans to increase their awareness of
    hospice service and to observe this month with appropriate activities
    and programs.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
    October, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
    eighth.
    GEORGE W. BUSH