[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 20 (Monday, May 20, 1996)]
[Pages 846-847]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6894--Older Americans Month, 1996

May 13, 1996

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    America's high standard of living, advanced health care system, and 
commitment to better nutrition and physical fitness have allowed 
millions of our citizens the luxury of long and fulfilling lives. 
Because current estimates indicate that one in six Americans will be 65 
or older by the year 2020, our Nation faces new challenges as we seek to 
address the needs of this growing population of seniors.
    Fortunately, many of our older Americans--who have already led the 
way in setting a sound course for our country's future--are helping us 
to meet these new challenges as well. Having lived through times of 
depression and war, peace and prosperity, they have shaped our progress 
with their achievements. The safety net they created--including Social 
Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the provisions of the Older Americans 
Act--helps us to honor our debt to senior citizens and ensures that 
Americans who have worked hard throughout their lives can look forward 
to a secure retirement.
    Each year, we set aside the month of May as a special time to pay 
tribute to older Americans and to affirm our obligation to sustain and 
improve their quality of life. The theme of this year's observance, 
``Aging: A Lifetime Opportunity,'' underscores the gifts that older 
people offer to our country every day. Thanks to senior citizens, our 
communities are stronger, our Nation is more diverse, and we are better 
prepared to meet the challenges of the next century.
    As we celebrate the contributions of all those in their golden 
years, let us recognize that long life is a gift we must cherish and a 
responsibility for which we must prepare. With an eye toward the future 
and with the example of today's seniors firmly before us,

[[Page 847]]

we can prepare for a better tomorrow for ourselves and for the 
generations of Americans to come.
    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 1996, 
as Older Americans Month. I call upon Government officials, businesses, 
communities, volunteers, educators, and all the people of the United 
States to acknowledge the contributions made by older Americans this 
month and throughout the year.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day 
of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twentieth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:54 a.m., May 14, 
1996]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on May 14, and it was published in the Federal Register on May 
15.