[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 122, 110th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

122 STAT. 5383

 
PROCLAMATION 8316--OCT. 31, 2008



Proclamation 8316 of October 31, 2008
National Hospice Month, 2008
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
During National Hospice Month, we honor the dedicated health care
professionals and volunteers who help the terminally ill spend their
final days in comfort and with dignity. Hospice care providers and other
compassionate individuals are a constant reminder that the greatness of
America lies in the hearts and souls of its citizens.
Americans believe that every person has matchless value throughout all
of life's stages. Hospice physicians, nurses, counselors, and volunteers
put this belief into action by using their talents and energy to care
for those who are terminally ill and by providing support and comfort to
their loved ones. As an alternative to traditional services, hospice
care frequently provides assistance in the home so that patients can be
surrounded by family and friends. Hospice counselors offer guidance to
patients, as well as to those close to them, as they deal with grief,
anxiety, and other end-of-life issues. Through these and countless other
acts of compassion, our Nation's hospice caregivers lift up souls, offer
peace of mind, and strengthen America's culture of life.
Throughout National Hospice Month, we recognize hospice care
professionals and volunteers for their selfless efforts to provide
physical, psychological, and spiritual assistance to terminally ill
patients and their families.
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 2008 as National
Hospice Month. I encourage all Americans to observe this month with
appropriate programs and activities. I also ask Americans to recognize
our health care professionals and volunteers for their contributions to
helping provide comfort and care to those facing terminal illness.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
GEORGE W. BUSH