[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

123 STAT. 3639
 
PROCLAMATION 8371--MAY 4, 2009

Proclamation 8371 of May 4, 2009
Older Americans Month, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Older Americans have carried our Nation through great challenges and
triumphs. They have enriched our national character and strengthened the
Republic for those who have followed. During the month of May, we pay
tribute to the wisest among us.

Throughout the land, older Americans are strengthening our communities
and the American way of life. Many senior citizens remain in the
workforce to support themselves and their families. Others are embarking
on second careers and exploring new interests and fields of knowledge.
Inspiring citizens of all ages, many serve as advocates and volunteers
in community service roles. In this important work, they make a real
difference in the daily lives of fellow citizens of all ages, while
promoting and strengthening the American spirit of civic participation.
My Administration is working to create opportunities for older Americans
to share their skills and wisdom with younger generations. One of the
bills I recently signed into law, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America
Act, expands and improves service opportunities for older Americans. Our
Nation can benefit greatly from the experience and hard work of our
older Americans, and I am committed to providing service opportunities
to achieve this end.
We owe older Americans a debt of gratitude and must work to help them
age with dignity. Through home- and community-based services, including
health promotion and preventive care programs, many older Americans are
able to live more independent and healthier lives. This year's theme for
Older Americans Month, ``Living Today for a Better Tomorrow,'' captures
the importance of helping seniors today so they can enjoy the years
ahead.
My Administration is committed to supporting older Americans and is
working to strengthen health care, retirement, community involvement,
and other programs vital to their interests and beneficial to all of us.
Older Americans have earned this support, and we owe them nothing less.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 2009 as Older
Americans Month. I invite Americans of all ages; representatives of
government at all levels; businesses and communities; faith-based and
neighborhood organizations; and health, academic, and recreational
institutions to acknowledge the contributions of older Americans during
this month and throughout the year.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of May,
in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
BARACK OBAMA