Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 89.djvu/1329

 PROCLAMATION 4372—MAY 7, 1975

89 STAT. 1269

The first White House Conference on Aging in 1961 produced a Senior Citizens Charter of Rights and Obligations. The second White House Conference on Aging, held in 1971, broadened that recognition and deepened our commitment to providing opportunities to our older citizens for maintenance of income and health and for self-realization and continuing usefulness. It is appropriate to update the Charter in the light of growing knowledge and recognition of the needs and abilities of our older citizens. People of all ages should join in the development of a Declaration of Rights and Obligations of Older Persons so that it can be proclaimed as part of our Bicentennial celebration. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate the month of May 1975 as Older Americans Month. I urge everyone to participate in the eflforts to achieve the goal of proclaiming a new Declaration of Rights and Obligations for Older Persons, which can become a rallying point for our Nation during the Bicentennial year of 1976 and a guide to action during the years ahead. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred ninety-ninth. GERALD R. FORD

Proclamation 4372

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May 7, 1975

National Arthritis Month, 1975

By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Arthritis, the oldest known chronic disease, is still the Nation's greatest crippler. This disease and related rheumatic disorders afflict more than 20 million people in the United States, at an annual cost of about $4 billion, and are exceeded only by heart disease as the most common chronic illness in the country today. Recognition of this major public health problem and determination to combat it effectively have been demonstrated through the passage of the National Arthritis Act of 1974 by the United States Congress, which

42 USC 289c-1 note.

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