[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 19 (Monday, May 10, 2004)]
[Page 719]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7776--Older Americans Month, 2004

 April 30, 2004

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    More than 47 million Americans are 60 years old or older. During 
Older Americans Month, we honor our senior citizens for enriching and 
strengthening our Nation, and we pledge to continue working to enhance 
their quality of life.
    This year's theme, ``Aging Well, Living Well,'' reflects the many 
ways that older Americans contribute to our national character. Many are 
working beyond traditional retirement age, while others volunteer their 
time serving worthy causes. Through the Senior Corps program of the USA 
Freedom Corps, more than half a million older Americans donated time to 
their communities last year, and many others are volunteering through 
the Peace Corps and other programs.
    My Administration is committed to helping our senior citizens lead 
better, healthier, and longer lives. Late last year, I was proud to sign 
into law the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization 
Act of 2003. This historic legislation represents the greatest 
improvement in senior health care since President Lyndon Johnson signed 
the Social Security Act Amendments that created Medicare in 1965. It 
gives seniors access to affordable prescription drug coverage, provides 
for preventive screenings to diagnose and treat health conditions early, 
and updates the Medicare system to let seniors choose coverage that best 
meets their needs. These changes are vital to ensuring that seniors can 
obtain the health care and prescription drugs they deserve.
    Older Americans help others to understand the past, and they teach 
timeless lessons of courage, endurance, and love. Through their legacy 
of patriotism, service, and responsibility, America's seniors also unite 
families and communities and serve as role models for younger 
generations.
    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 2004 as Older 
Americans Month. I commend older Americans for the contributions they 
make to our communities. I further commend Federal officials, State, and 
local governments, tribal organizations, service and health care 
providers, caregivers, volunteers, and all those who work on behalf of 
our senior citizens. I encourage all Americans to honor their elders and 
publicly reaffirm our Nation's commitment to older Americans during this 
month and throughout the year.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day 
of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 4, 2004]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 5. 
This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.