Older Americans Month, 2009

Proclamation 8371 of May 4, 2009

Older Americans Month, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Older Americans have carried our Nation through great
challenges and triumphs. They have enriched our
national character and strengthened the Republic for
those who have followed. During the month of May, we
pay tribute to the wisest among us.

Throughout the land, older Americans are strengthening
our communities and the American way of life. Many
senior citizens remain in the workforce to support
themselves and their families. Others are embarking on
second careers and exploring new interests and fields
of knowledge. Inspiring citizens of all ages, many
serve as advocates and volunteers in community service
roles. In this important work, they make a real
difference in the daily lives of fellow citizens of all
ages, while promoting and strengthening the American
spirit of civic participation.

My Administration is working to create opportunities
for older Americans to share their skills and wisdom
with younger generations. One of the bills I recently
signed into law, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America
Act, expands and improves service opportunities for
older Americans. Our Nation can benefit greatly from
the experience and hard work of our older Americans,
and I am committed to providing service opportunities
to achieve this end.

We owe older Americans a debt of gratitude and must
work to help them age with dignity. Through home- and
community-based services, including health promotion
and preventive care programs, many older Americans are
able to live more independent and healthier lives. This
year's theme for Older Americans Month, ``Living Today
for a Better Tomorrow,'' captures the importance of
helping seniors today so they can enjoy the years
ahead.

My Administration is committed to supporting older
Americans and is working to strengthen health care,
retirement, community involvement, and other programs
vital to their interests and beneficial to all of us.
Older Americans have earned this support, and we owe
them nothing less.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 2009 as Older Americans
Month. I invite Americans of all ages; representatives
of government at all levels; businesses and
communities; faith-based and neighborhood
organizations; and health, academic, and recreational
institutions to acknowledge the contributions of older
Americans during this month and throughout the year.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fourth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand
nine, and of the Independence of the United States of
America the two hundred and thirty-third.