For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
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.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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