National Senior Citizens Day

In 1950 there were 200 million people over 60 years old - by 2000 that number had tripled to nearly 600 million and by 2025 it is estimated that there will be over 1 billion older persons. 1999 was celebrated as the International Year for Older Persons to promote the theme of working to create "a society for all ages." In 2002 the United Nations adopted an International Plan of Action on Aging in which all governments pledged to work for the security of older persons, as well as to empower them so that they can "participate fully in the economic, political and social lives of their societies." August 21, Senior Citizens Day, is an opportunity to celebrate the wisdom and achievements senior citizens have made, as well as to advocate for the rights of older people throughout the world. Official Proclamation establishing National Senior Citizen's Day in The United States.  By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Throughout our history, older people have achieved much for our families, our communities, and our country. That remains true today, and gives us ample reason this year to reserve a special day in honor of the senior citizens who mean so much to our land. With improved health care and more years of productivity, older citizens are reinforcing their historical roles as leaders and as links with our patrimony and sense of purpose as individuals and as a Nation. Many older people are embarking on second careers, giving younger Americans a fine example of responsibility, resourcefulness, competence, and determination. And more than 4.5 million senior citizens are serving as volunteers in various programs and projects that benefit every sector of society. Wherever the need exists, older people are making their presence felt -- for their own good and that of others. For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older -- places in which older people can participate to the fullest and can find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and services they need to continue to lead lives of independence and dignity. The Congress, by House Joint Resolution 138, has designated August 21, 1988, as ``National Senior Citizens Day'' and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this event. Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim August 21, 1988, as National Senior Citizens Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-eight, and of the Independence of the United States ofAmerica the two hundred and thirteenth. Ronald Reagan [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:42 a.m., August 22, 1988]