[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