Older Americans Month, 2001

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7432 of May 4, 2001

Older Americans Month, 2001

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In cities, towns, and communities across the United
States, older Americans make countless contributions to
the life of our Nation. Each year, during the month of
May, Americans acknowledge in a special way the
contributions of older Americans to our society. This
year's theme, ``The Many Faces of Aging,'' calls on us
to recognize the richness and the promise of our
rapidly increasing older population.

Older adults have much to teach us, from persevering in
the face of hardship to sustaining our family structure
and caring for those in need. Generations of older
Americans have done the hard work of building
communities, places of worship, businesses, and
schools, laying the foundation for our American way of
life. Embodying the steadfast devotion, courage, and
sacrifice that our ancestors brought to this country,
older Americans continue to energize our national life.
Many of these former teachers, leaders of industry, war
heroes, and religious figures help new generations
learn about our past by taking time out of their lives
to share their experiences and to serve as role models.
Their values of hard work, determination, compassion,
and faith continue to benefit our families and all
Americans. As we celebrate Older Americans Month, I
encourage Americans to take advantage of the wisdom and
experience of our elder citizens.

Working in partnership with States and local
organizations, my Administration is proposing that the
Federal Government do more to facilitate service
opportunities for seniors.

My Administration is committed to improving the quality
of life of our Nation's seniors, who are often burdened
with concerns about health care. We will strengthen
Medicare for the baby boomers and subsequent
generations. We will renew the promise made to our
seniors and people with disabilities by providing
access to affordable prescription drugs and better
options to meet their health care needs. By ensuring
that our senior citizens live in comfort and security,
we honor them and thank them for their service.

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 2001, as Older Americans
Month. I call upon Federal, State, and local government
officials, businesses, communities, faith-based
organizations, families, health care professionals,
volunteers, and all citizens of the United States to
publicly reaffirm our Nation's continuing commitment to
honor older Americans.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B