Older Americans Month, 2004

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Part VI

The President

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Proclamation 7776--Older Americans Month, 2004

Proclamation 7777--National Charter Schools Week, 2004

Proclamation 7778--Law Day, U.S.A., 2004

Proclamation 7779--Loyalty Day, 2004

Proclamation 7780--National Day of Prayer, 2004

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7776 of April 30, 2004

Older Americans Month, 2004

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

More than 47 million Americans are 60 years old or
older. During Older Americans Month, we honor our
senior citizens for enriching and strengthening our
Nation, and we pledge to continue working to enhance
their quality of life.

This year's theme, ``Aging Well, Living Well,''
reflects the many ways that older Americans contribute
to our national character. Many are working beyond
traditional retirement age, while others volunteer
their time serving worthy causes. Through the Senior
Corps program of the USA Freedom Corps, more than half
a million older Americans donated time to their
communities last year, and many others are volunteering
through the Peace Corps and other programs.

My Administration is committed to helping our senior
citizens lead better, healthier, and longer lives. Late
last year, I was proud to sign into law the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act
of 2003. This historic legislation represents the
greatest improvement in senior health care since
President Lyndon Johnson signed the Social Security Act
Amendments that created Medicare in 1965. It gives
seniors access to affordable prescription drug
coverage, provides for preventive screenings to
diagnose and treat health conditions early, and updates
the Medicare system to let seniors choose coverage that
best meets their needs. These changes are vital to
ensuring that seniors can obtain the health care and
prescription drugs they deserve.

Older Americans help others to understand the past, and
they teach timeless lessons of courage, endurance, and
love. Through their legacy of patriotism, service, and
responsibility, America's seniors also unite families
and communities and serve as role models for younger
generations.

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 2004 as Older Americans
Month. I commend older Americans for the contributions
they make to our communities. I further commend Federal
officials, State, and local governments, tribal
organizations, service and health care providers,
caregivers, volunteers, and all those who work on
behalf of our senior citizens. I encourage all
Americans to honor their elders and publicly reaffirm
our Nation's commitment to older Americans during this
month and throughout the year.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand four, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

(Presidential Sig.)B