Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 116 Part 4.djvu/822

 116 STAT. 3250 PROCLAMATION 7552-MAY 2, 2002 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 Proclamation 7552 of May 2, 2002 National Charter Schools Week, 2002 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Over a decade ago in Minnesota, a handful of educators envisioned a new kind of educational institution that would provide an alternative for children trapped in under-performing public schools. Their philosophy for a "charter school" was straightforward and powerful: provide parents the option to send their children to innovative public schools that combine flexibility and autonomy with a guarantee to raise student achievement. Today, we recognize the important successes of the charter school experiment. Nearly 2,400 charter schools now exist across our Nation. Thanks to bipartisan support at the local. State, and Federal level, more than a half-million children have attended these public schools and obtained a better education.

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