[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 18 (Monday, May 5, 1997)]
[Page 625]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6996--Older Americans Month, 1997

May 1, 1997

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Each year we set aside the month of May as a special time to pay 
tribute to older Americans and to acknowledge their many contributions 
to our national life. For the better part of this century, through tough 
times and good times, these Americans have raised families, strengthened 
our economy, defended our Nation, and reaffirmed our deepest values. All 
of us who are heirs to their service and sacrifice owe them a profound 
debt of gratitude.
    The theme of this year's observance, ``Caregiving: Compassion in 
Action,'' reminds us of one of the most important ways in which we can 
repay that debt. Each day across America, some 22 million caregivers and 
volunteers dedicate themselves to improving the qualify of life for 
older family members, friends, and neighbors. By providing personal 
care, housekeeping, transportation, and innumerable other services and 
assistance, these caregivers enable many older Americans to remain in 
their own homes and communities, maintaining a precious measure of 
dignity and independence.
    As America's population of older Americans continues to grow in 
number, we will have an even greater need to call on the skills and 
compassion of caregivers. In keeping with the spirit of service that is 
sweeping across our Nation today, I ask that all Americans--every day, 
but especially during Older Americans Month--reach out to an older 
person in need, sharing time, talents, and attention with someone who 
has already shared so much with us. By putting our compassion in action 
to serve our older citizens, we can build a more promising future for 
all our people.
    Older Americans deserve our respect and support for they have worked 
diligently in so many ways to enrich and preserve the way of life we all 
enjoy. Our senior citizens have woven the fabric of our Nation to 
exemplify the values and beliefs that have made our country great.
    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 1997 
as Older Americans Month. I call upon Government officials, businesses, 
communities, volunteers, educators, and all the people of the United 
States to honor our older Americans and acknowledge the important 
contributions made by their caregivers, this month and throughout the 
year.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of 
May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-seven, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twenty-first.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:56 a.m., May 2, 1997]

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