Older Americans Month, 2008

Proclamation 8243 of April 22, 2008

Older Americans Month, 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 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.