[Title 3 CFR 7776]
[Code of Federal Regulations (annual edition) - January 1, 2005 Edition]
[Title 3 - Presidential Documents]
[Proclamation 7776 - Proclamation 7776 of April 30, 2004]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office]


3Presidential Documents12005-01-012005-01-01false7776Proclamation 7776Presidential Documents
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.

[[Page 31]]

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