[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 18 (Monday, May 8, 1995)]
[Page 759]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6796--Older Americans Month, 1995

May 3, 1995

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Throughout its history, our Nation has benefited immeasurably from 
the myriad contributions of its older Americans. Our democracy owes its 
success in great part to the millions of senior citizens who through 
their work, their volunteer efforts, and their devotion to their 
families and communities have helped build the foundation of this 
country.
    Each year, America reserves the month of May to pay tribute to the 
contributions and sacrifices of older Americans and to reaffirm our 
commitment to preserving and enhancing their quality of life. When Older 
Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living 
Americans had reached their 65th birthday. About a third of older 
Americans lived in poverty, and there were few programs to meet their 
needs. But Americans were beginning to take a greater interest in their 
seniors, encouraged by President John F. Kennedy's strong leadership. 
Today, there are close to 34 million older Americans, and we are better 
addressing their needs with programs and laws--from Social Security to 
the Older Americans Act.
    The theme for Older Americans Month this year, ``Aging: Generations 
of Experience,'' recognizes the tremendous experiences and legacy of 
past generations that we enjoy today. And this year we proudly mark the 
30th anniversary of the Older Americans Act. Through the Act's programs, 
administered by the Administration on Aging, millions of older Americans 
receive critical home and community-based care services that enable them 
to continue to live independently within their homes and among their 
loved ones and friends.
    During this Older Americans Month, several thousand delegates from 
all across America will gather in Washington, D.C., for the historic 
White House Conference on Aging. And, during this month, we pay tribute 
to our country's older Americans and to the family members and 
volunteers who provide care for them. In addition, as we recognize the 
50th anniversary of the end of World War II, we pause to give special 
recognition to our senior citizens who so valiantly fought for our 
freedoms.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, 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 1995, 
as ``Older Americans Month.'' I call upon individual Americans, 
representatives of government at all levels, businesses and communities, 
volunteers and educational institutions to appropriately acknowledge the 
contributions of all older Americans not only this month but also 
throughout the year.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of 
May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-five, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
nineteenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:32 a.m., May 4, 1995]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 5.