[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7551]

Proc. 7551

Proclamation 7551 of May 1, 2002

Older Americans Month, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

          Our Nation's strength and vitality reside in our citizens. 
          Each year in May, we honor and recognize older Americans for 
          their important sacrifices and contributions to our society. 
          Our seniors have cared for their families and communities, 
          enhanced our economic prosperity, defended our Nation, and 
          preserved and protected the Founders' vision. Their commitment 
          to our future sets an inspiring example for all. And their 
          resilience, fortitude, and experience provide us with 
          important perspectives and insights as we face the challenges 
          of a new era.
          The theme of this year's observance, ``America: A Community 
          for All Ages,'' reminds us that all citizens, regardless of 
          age, are essential to successful and safe communities. The 
          celebration also recognizes the extended role seniors play in 
          our families, communities, and workplaces, as they live 
          longer, healthier, and more productive lives. Drawing on their 
          considerable knowledge and experience, older Americans mentor 
          at-risk children, de

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          liver meals to homebound seniors, and care for frail or 
          chronically ill family members. Others embark on exciting new 
          careers or engage in challenging themselves in athletic 
          competitions. In addition, many seniors have answered my call 
          to service by becoming involved in the Senior Corps domestic 
          service program, which is administered by the Corporation for 
          National and Community Service.
          As we celebrate the lives of older Americans, we also renew 
          our dedication to their well-being. My Administration strongly 
          supports measures that protect the promise of retirement and 
          healthcare security for seniors. We must modernize our 
          Medicare and Medicaid programs so that seniors can access the 
          best medicines and treatments. We must secure a good 
          prescription drug benefit program for all our seniors. We must 
          also continue to support medical research that is specifically 
          targeted to the health problems of older Americans. By 
          supporting flexible and innovative forms of long-term care, we 
          can reduce the demands of caring for an elderly or disabled 
          loved one. And we must strengthen financial security by 
          protecting Social Security for today's retirees by encouraging 
          private saving among all Americans, giving individuals more 
          control over their investments.
          This year's observance of Older Americans Month also marks the 
          30th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, 
          one of our most vital, community-based programs for seniors. 
          Managed by the Administration on Aging and supported by the 
          private sector and countless nonprofit organizations, the 
          program has provided nearly 6 billion meals to senior centers 
          and other group settings and to those who are homebound. It 
          has also provided nutrition counseling and opportunities for 
          health screening. For many elderly, this program has made a 
          tremendous impact on their quality of life.
          By maintaining and improving programs that assist older 
          Americans, we help these important citizens enjoy longer, 
          healthier, and more productive lives. During this month, I 
          join all Americans in paying tribute to the achievements and 
          contributions of our greatest generation and reaffirming our 
          commitment to their well-being.
          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 2002 as Older Americans Month. I commend the 
          national aging network of State, local, and tribal 
          organizations, service and healthcare providers, caregivers, 
          and millions of dedicated volunteers for your daily efforts on 
          behalf of our senior citizens. I encourage all Americans to 
          honor their elders, to seek opportunities to address their 
          needs, and to work together to reinforce the bonds that unite 
          families and communities. I also call upon all our citizens to 
          publicly reaffirm our Nation's commitment to older Americans 
          this month and throughout the year.
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day 
          of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
          Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 
          and twenty-sixth.

GEORGE W. BUSH