National Hospice Month, 2008

Proclamation 8316 of October 31, 2008

National Hospice Month, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During National Hospice Month, we honor the dedicated
health care professionals and volunteers who help the
terminally ill spend their final days in comfort and
with dignity. Hospice care providers and other
compassionate individuals are a constant reminder that
the greatness of America lies in the hearts and souls
of its citizens.

Americans believe that every person has matchless value
throughout all of life's stages. Hospice physicians,
nurses, counselors, and volunteers put this belief into
action by using their talents and energy to care for
those who are terminally ill and by providing support
and comfort to their loved ones. As an alternative to
traditional services, hospice care frequently provides
assistance in the home so that patients can be
surrounded by family and friends. Hospice counselors
offer guidance to patients, as well as to those close
to them, as they deal with grief, anxiety, and other
end-of-life issues. Through these and countless other
acts of compassion, our Nation's hospice caregivers
lift up souls, offer peace of mind, and strengthen
America's culture of life.

Throughout National Hospice Month, we recognize hospice
care professionals and volunteers for their selfless
efforts to provide physical, psychological, and
spiritual assistance to terminally ill patients and
their families.

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
Hospice Month. I encourage all Americans to observe
this month with appropriate programs and activities. I
also ask Americans to recognize our health care
professionals and volunteers for their contributions to
helping provide comfort and care to those facing
terminal illness.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirty-first 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.