National Family Caregivers Month, 2008

Proclamation 8311 of October 29, 2008

National Family Caregivers Month, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During National Family Caregivers Month we recognize
and celebrate the many individuals throughout our
country who work each day to ensure a better quality of
life for their family members. Through their selfless
action, these caregivers provide their loved ones
support and comfort as they age, combat illness, or
suffer from disability.

Our Nation is compassionate, and we believe in the
sanctity of life at all stages. Through tireless
efforts and inspiring deeds, many Americans care for
loved ones in need. By acting as in-home care
providers, people across our Nation are helping to
ensure that their family members are provided with
love, comfort, and security. My Administration has
worked to offer caregivers support and training. In
2006, I signed the Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2006,
which established a program to help family caregivers
get access to affordable and high-quality respite care.
In addition, the National Family Caregiver Support
Program encourages cooperation among government
agencies and other organizations that support and work
with family caregivers.

National Family Caregivers Month is an opportunity to
recognize those who serve a cause greater than self and
contribute to the well-being of their loved ones.
Family caregivers are soldiers in America's armies of
compassion and set an inspiring example for their
fellow citizens.

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
Family Caregivers Month. I encourage all Americans to
honor the selfless service of caregivers who support
their loved ones in need.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-ninth 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.