Older Americans Month, 2013

Proclamation 8971 of April 30, 2013

Older Americans Month, 2013

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For half a century, communities in every corner of our
country have come together to honor older Americans in
a special way during the month of May. We carry that
tradition forward again this year by recognizing their
accomplishments, sharing their stories, and showing
support and appreciation for our elders.

With groundbreaking advances in medicine and health
care, Americans are living longer and achieving more.
Many seniors are using a lifetime of experience to
serve those around them. Even after decades of hard
work, men and women are taking on new roles after
retirement--organizing, educating, innovating, and
making sure they leave the next generation with the
same opportunities they had. It is a commitment that
shines brightly in programs like Senior Corps, which
connects more than half a million people to service
opportunities from coast to coast.

As older Americans strive to lift up their
neighborhoods, my Administration is working to make
sure they get the tools they need to make a difference.
We are helping more seniors get involved in volunteer
service and give back to those around them. We are also
finding new ways to make sure seniors live with dignity
as full members of their communities--from improving
access to health care to broadening employment
opportunities. And to ensure older Americans have
resources they can count on, my Administration will
continue to protect and strengthen Medicare and Social
Security not just for this generation, but also for
those to come.

Our seniors deserve the best our country has to offer.
This month, we pay tribute to the men and women who
raised us, and we pledge anew to show them the fullest
care, support, and respect of a grateful Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim May 2013 as Older
Americans Month. I call upon all Americans of all ages
to acknowledge the contributions of 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 thirteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.