    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 43 (Monday, November 3, 2008)]
    [Pages 1394-1395]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 8316--National Hospice Month, 2008

     October 31, 2008

     By the President of the United States

     of America

     A Proclamation

        During National Hospice Month, we honor the dedicated health care
    professionals and volunteers who help the terminally ill spend their
    final days in comfort and with dignity. Hospice care providers and other
    compassionate individuals are a constant reminder that the greatness of
    America lies in the hearts and souls of its citizens.
        Americans believe that every person has matchless value throughout
    all of life's stages. Hospice physicians, nurses, counselors, and
    volunteers put this belief into action by using their talents and energy
    to care for those who are terminally ill and by providing support and
    comfort to their loved ones. As an alternative to traditional services,
    hospice care frequently provides assistance in the home so that patients
    can be surrounded by family and friends. Hospice counselors offer
    guidance to patients, as well as to those close to them, as they deal
    with grief, anxiety, and other end-of-life issues. Through these and
    countless other acts of compassion, our Nation's hospice caregivers lift
    up souls, offer peace of mind, and strengthen America's culture of life.
        Throughout National Hospice Month, we recognize hospice care
    professionals and volunteers for their selfless efforts to provide
    physical, psychological, and spiritual assistance to terminally ill
    patients and their families.
         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 2008 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.

    [[Page 1395]]

         In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first
    day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    third.
                                                    George W. Bush

     [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., November 4,
    2008]

    Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on
    November 5.