Proclamation 9436-Older Americans Month, 2016
Issued 2016-04-29 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation to designate May 2016 as Older Americans Month—a ceremonial observance recognizing the nation's senior citizens. The proclamation celebrates older Americans for their lifetime of contributions to communities and the country, acknowledging their unique knowledge and experience as valuable assets to society.
The proclamation notes that within thirteen years, more than one in five Americans will be of retirement age, emphasizing the importance of ensuring seniors can retire with dignity and respect. It mentions the President's commitment to strengthening Medicare and Social Security, his 2014 launch of myRA savings bonds, and his signing of a reauthorization of the Older Americans Act to support services seniors depend on for health and independence. The proclamation also references the White House Conference on Aging held the previous summer and the launch of www.Aging.gov as a government information resource for older adults.
This is a ceremonial proclamation that does not create new laws or impose legal obligations. It simply calls upon all Americans to celebrate the contributions of older Americans during the month of May and throughout the year. Such proclamations have been issued by presidents since George Washington as a way to draw public attention to particular causes or communities.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9436-Older Americans Month, 2016" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to older americans. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 Proclamation 9436—Older Americans Month, 2016 April 29, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Through a lifetime of contribution, older Americans have helped ensure that the founding promise of our country remains within reach for their children and grandchildren, and their individual narratives reflect the extraordinary history of our Nation. This month, we celebrate our Nation's older citizens, and we show our appreciation for all they have done to enrich our communities and drive America forward. Older Americans have unique knowledge and a breadth of insights that are tremendous assets to our country—and our seniors are eager to impart the wisdom learned from their experiences. Across our country, older Americans work and volunteer in their communities, challenging younger Americans' ambitions for what they can hope to achieve in their golden years. We must maximize the contributions of our seniors and ensure they have the resources and support they need to thrive and to keep shaping the future of the country they love. The population of the United States is transforming rapidly. Within the next 13 years, more than one in five Americans will be of retirement age, an