[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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

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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.
GEORGE W. BUSH

PROCLAMATION 7777--APR. 30, 2004