[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 16 (Monday, April 28, 2008)]
[Pages 579-580]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8243--Older Americans Month, 2008

 April 22, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    During Older Americans Month, we recognize the many ways older 
citizens have enriched our Nation through their character, wisdom, and 
love.
    Our country remains strong because of the foundation our elders have 
helped lay. This year's Older Americans Month theme, ``Working Together 
for Strong, Healthy, and Supportive Communities,'' highlights the 
importance of building partnerships to ensure that older Americans are 
able to live with dignity and independence.
    Every week thousands of older Americans give back to their 
communities by volunteering through groups like Senior Corps. From 
teaching young children how to read, to helping provide relief to those 
affected by natural disasters, seniors play an important and 
compassionate role in our Nation.
    My Administration is dedicated to ensuring that our seniors are 
treated with the respect they have earned. They deserve to have

[[Page 580]]

choices and access to the best possible health care, so we have added 
new preventive care measures and prescription drug benefits as part of 
our effort to modernize Medicare and make medication more affordable. In 
this way and many others, our country honors our elders' legacy and 
recognizes their countless contributions to our Nation.

    America's seniors provide an example for younger generations, and 
during Older Americans Month, we reflect on their efforts toward 
building a stronger and brighter future for all. Our country remains 
forever in their debt, as they have provided a guiding light for the 
rest of the Nation to follow.

    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 2008 as Older 
Americans Month. I commend older Americans for the many contributions 
they have made and continue to make to our Nation. I also commend the 
Federal, State, local, and tribal organizations, service and health care 
providers, caregivers, and volunteers who dedicate their time and 
talents to our seniors. I encourage all citizens to honor their elders, 
care for those in need, and reaffirm our country's commitment to older 
Americans this month and throughout the year.

    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second 
day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.

                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:11 a.m., April 24, 
2008]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on April 23, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
April 25.