[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 18 (Monday, May 7, 2001)]
[Page 705]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7432--Older Americans Month, 2001

 May 4, 2001

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    In cities, towns, and communities across the United States, older 
Americans make countless contributions to the life of our Nation. Each 
year, during the month of May, Americans acknowledge in a special way 
the contributions of older Americans to our society. This year's theme, 
``The Many Faces of Aging,'' calls on us to recognize the richness and 
the promise of our rapidly increasing older population.
    Older adults have much to teach us, from persevering in the face of 
hardship to sustaining our family structure and caring for those in 
need. Generations of older Americans have done the hard work of building 
communities, places of worship, businesses, and schools, laying the 
foundation for our American way of life. Embodying the steadfast 
devotion, courage, and sacrifice that our ancestors brought to this 
country, older Americans continue to energize our national life. Many of 
these former teachers, leaders of industry, war heroes, and religious 
figures help new generations learn about our past by taking time out of 
their lives to share their experiences and to serve as role models. 
Their values of hard work, determination, compassion, and faith continue 
to benefit our families and all Americans. As we celebrate Older 
Americans Month, I encourage Americans to take advantage of the wisdom 
and experience of our elder citizens.
    Working in partnership with States and local organizations, my 
Administration is proposing that the Federal Government do more to 
facilitate service opportunities for seniors.
    My Administration is committed to improving the quality of life of 
our Nation's seniors, who are often burdened with concerns about health 
care. We will strengthen Medicare for the baby boomers and subsequent 
generations. We will renew the promise made to our seniors and people 
with disabilities by providing access to affordable prescription drugs 
and better options to meet their health care needs. By ensuring that our 
senior citizens live in comfort and security, we honor them and thank 
them for their service.
    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 May 2001, as Older 
Americans Month. I call upon Federal, State, and local government 
officials, businesses, communities, faith-based organizations, families, 
health care professionals, volunteers, and all citizens of the United 
States to publicly reaffirm our Nation's continuing commitment to honor 
older Americans.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of 
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 8, 2001]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on May 
9.