[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 44 (Monday, November 6, 2006)]
[Pages 1936-1937]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8079--National Hospice Month, 2006

October 30, 2006

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Americans demonstrate the great compassion of our country by caring 
for those in need. During National Hospice Month, we recognize hospice 
caregivers for their dedication to providing comfort and peace to 
individuals in their last days and helping build a society that values 
the life and dignity of every person.
    Hospice physicians, nurses, counselors, and volunteers bring care 
and support to the terminally ill through physical, psychological, 
social, and spiritual aid. By helping control pain and minimize other 
symptoms, these men and women bring relief to those who are terminally 
ill and show them the utmost respect. Hospice care enables many of our 
citizens to spend their final days in comfort and dignity surrounded by 
loved ones. This palliative care plays a vital role in our Nation's 
health care system, and the dedicated work of hospice caregivers helps 
ensure that our citizens receive the services and support they need. 
Hospice caregivers also reach out to families and friends to provide 
guidance and counseling after the loss of a loved one.
    Our Nation is grateful for the tireless efforts of hospice 
volunteers and medical professionals, and during National Hospice Month, 
we recognize the kindness of hospice caregivers and their devotion to 
making our country a more loving and caring place.
    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 2006 as National 
Hospice Month. I encourage all Americans to observe this month with 
appropriate programs and activities. I also ask Americans to recognize 
our health care professionals and volunteers for their contributions to 
helping provide comfort and care to those facing terminal illness.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day 
of October, in the

[[Page 1937]]

year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United 
States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., November 1, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on October 31, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
November 2.