12 2 STA T .530 0 PROCL A M AT I O N8 2 4 3 — APR. 22 , 2008 Proclam a ti o n8243 o fAp ril 22 , 2 0 08 OlderAm er icansMo n th,20 0 8BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation DuringOlde r Am eri ca n sMo n th,w e recogni z e the man y ways older citizens ha v e enriched our N ation through their character, wisdom, and love . Our country remains strong b ecause o f the foundation our elders have hel p ed lay. T his year ’ s Older Americans Month theme, ‘ ‘ W or k ing To - gether for S trong, H ealthy, and Supportive C ommunities,’’ highlights the importance of building partnerships to ensure that older Americans are able to live with dignity and independence. E very week thousands of older Americans give back to their commu- nities by volunteering through groups like Senior Corps. F rom teaching young children how to read, to helping provide relief to those affected by natural disasters, seniors play an important and compassionate role in our Nation. My Administration is dedicated to ensuring that our seniors are treated with the respect they have earned. They deserve to have choices and access to the best possible health care, so we have added new preven- tive care measures and prescription drug benefits as part of our effort to modernize Medicare and make medication more affordable. I n this way and many others, our country honors our elders’ legacy and recog- nizes their countless contributions to our Nation. America’s seniors provide an e x ample for younger generations, and during Older Americans Month, we reflect on their efforts toward building a stronger and brighter future for all. Our country remains for- ever in their debt, as they have provided a guiding light for the rest of the Nation to follow. NOW, THE R EFORE, I, G EORGE W. BU SH, P resident of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 20 0 8 as Older Americans Month. I commend older Americans for the many contributions they have made and continue to make to our Nation. I also commend the Federal, State, local, and tribal organizations, serv- ice and health care providers, caregivers, and volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to our seniors. I encourage all citizens to honor their elders, care for those in need, and reaffirm our country’s commit- ment to older Americans this month and throughout the year. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sec- ond day of April, in the year of our L ord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second. GEORGE W. BUSH
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