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Tue UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR GOVERNMENT HOUSE Charlotte Amalie, V.1. 00802 340-774-0001 OLDER AMERICANS MONTH RKEKKEKKEEKRE BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES RRKKKKKKKKKE A PROCLAMATION In 1963, President John F. Kennedy designated May as Senior Citizens Month to pay tribute to citizens age 65 and older. On July 14, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed The Older Americans Act and it became a law that still stands today. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter changed Senior Citizens Month to the current name of Older Americans Month. Since the enactment of the Older Americans Act of 1963, communities across this Territory have shown their gratitude for our seniors by celebrating Older Americans Month during May. This year’s theme is Engage At Every Age which invokes and reinforces that our seniors can never be too old or young to take part in activities that will promote, encourage and aid in their physical, mental and emotional well-being. The United States Virgin Islands includes older Americans, residents and visitors who continue to contribute to our Territory as well as to our Nation. They have defended our country, helped shape our world. They have served in the United States Military and fought for our freedoms. They have enriched our Territory by becoming, doctors, nurses, law makers and entrepreneurs aiding in our Territory’s economy and well-being. Most have raised strong families and have helped to strengthen our communities. This Territory celebrates the contributions and sacrifices of our elders and seniors, and we offer our continued appreciation and support and recognize older adults and seniors are a vital part of our communities and society as a whole. We acknowledge that what it means “to age” has changed for the better with seniors and elders proudly referencing “age is just a number.” With years of experience and unwavering enthusiasm, Older Americans of the Virgin Islands continue to uplift our neighborhoods, offer perspective on pressing challenges, and serve as role models to our next generation, providing that they never stop making a difference or giving back. Proclamation — Older Americans Month 2018 Older Americans Month is a wonderful opportunity to highlight how older citizens and residents of the Territory are engaging with, as well as making a difference in, their communities; and how older citizens and residents are “engaging at every age.” This growing awareness supports our beliefs that every individual, regardless of age, ability and income, can continue to grow and prosper as they successfully age. The month of May will amplify the many voices of older Americans and raise awareness of vital aging issues across the country. More than ever before, older Americans are working longer, trying new things, and engaging in their communities. During 2018 Older Americans Month, we pay tribute to our parents, grandparents, friends, neighbors, and every senior near to our hearts. We strive to build a bright future on the strong foundation they have laid for us and for generations to come. NOW, THEREFORE, I Kenneth E. Mapp, Governor of the Virgin Islands of the United States, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Revised Organic Act of 1954, as amended, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2018, as Older Americans Month: Engage At Every Age in the Territory. I call upon the people of the Virgin Islands to join me in helping to protect our Older Americans and senior citizens. I extend great appreciation to our social workers and all those professionals who work on behalf of our older Americans and senior citizens of the Virgin Islands. IN WITNESS, WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and cause the Seal of the Government of the Virgin Islands of the United States to be affixed at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, this Wy ay of May 2018, A.D. Kenneth E. Mapp Governor Osbert E. Potter Lieutenant Governor