[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 44 (Monday, November 4, 2002)]
[Pages 1888-1889]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7615--National Family Caregivers Month, 2002

 October 29, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    One of our most important responsibilities as citizens is to give 
back to our communities. Individuals who care for loved ones in their 
homes demonstrate the compassionate spirit of America. During National 
Family Caregivers Month, we honor these individuals who bring hope and 
comfort to their fellow citizens in need.
    America's family caregivers are vital to the strength of our 
communities. Through specialized care for family members with 
disabilities or those who are aging or chronically ill, millions of 
caregivers help their loved ones live in a comforting environment. As 
the size of our elderly population continues to grow, home care 
increasingly represents an important, dignified, and compassionate 
alternative for countless individuals.
    To support and train families at all stages of caregiving, the 
Administration on Aging provides community-based assistance through the 
``National Family Caregiver Support Program.'' This network of community 
service providers, faith-based organizations, tribal organizations, 
State and local agencies on aging, and hundreds of thousands of 
volunteers informs caregivers that they are not alone, and that help is 
always available

[[Page 1889]]

through counseling, support groups, training, respite care, and 
supplemental services.
    As we work to build a culture of service, responsibility, and 
compassion, caregivers continue to bring our families and communities 
together. Through their efforts to assist loved ones in need, family 
caregivers demonstrate the true spirit of our Nation.
     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 November 2002 as 
National Family Caregivers Month. I encourage all Americans to pause to 
honor the family members, friends, and neighbors who shoulder caregiving 
responsibilities.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth 
day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:34 a.m., October 31, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
November 1.