Older Americans Month, 2017

Proclamation 9599 of April 28, 2017

Older Americans Month, 2017

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Older Americans are our Nation's memory. Some of
today's grandparents and great-grandparents were born
during the Great Depression, lived through the Second
World War, witnessed the rise and fall of Communism,
fought in Korea and Vietnam, marched with Martin Luther
King, Jr., and watched the first man walk on the Moon.
Now, they surf the internet and share family photos on
their phones in a world that is richer and freer than
the one into which they were born. Listening to the
stories of our older citizens allows younger Americans
to appreciate the country they inherited and gain the
wisdom necessary to make it even better for their
children and grandchildren.

As we celebrate Older Americans Month, we take the
opportunity to thank our seniors and recognize the
enormous contributions they make to the Nation. Indeed,
one of modern life's greatest blessings are the medical
advancements that make it possible for older people to
remain healthy and active well into the later stages of
life. We are blessed to have their presence, their
love, and their unmatched perspective for our families.

Our elders also have an unprecedented opportunity to
make a difference in our communities by sharing their
talents, wisdom, and time. America's seniors give back
in a myriad of ways, working with children in our
schools, providing assistance to the sick and shut-in,
and inventing new and innovative products. They have
made our Nation stronger through their experience,
knowledge, and willingness to share with others.

Finally, during this month we also recognize that, as
we age, many of us will need more assistance from our
friends and family. We therefore recommit ourselves to
ensuring that older Americans are not neglected or
abused, receive the best healthcare available, live in
suitable homes, have adequate income and economic
opportunities, and enjoy freedom and independence in
their golden years. They deserve--and we owe them--
nothing less.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 2017 as Older
Americans Month. I call upon all Americans to honor our
elders, acknowledge their contributions, 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-eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand seventeen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
first.