[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.