Senate Resolution No. 1543

BY: Senator PERSAUD

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 2024, as Older Americans Month in the State of
New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National Older Americans Month

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their
past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and
valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2024, as Older Americans Month in
the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
Older Americans Month; and

WHEREAS, Every May, the Administration on Aging, part of the
Administration for Community Living, leads our nation's observance of
Older American's Month; this vital campaign is celebrated across the
country through ceremonies, events, fairs, and other such activities;
and

WHEREAS, Older Americans Month was established in 1963 to honor the
legacies and contributions of older Americans and to support them as
they enter their next stage of life; and

WHEREAS, When Older Americans Month was first recognized, only 17
million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday, about a third
of older Americans lived in poverty, and there were few programs to meet
their needs; and

WHEREAS, Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing;
a meeting in April of 1963 between President John F. Kennedy and members
of the National Council of Senior Citizens led to designating May as
"Senior Citizens Month," the prelude to "Older Americans Month"; and

WHEREAS, Historically, Older Americans Month has been a time to
acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our
country, in particular those who defended our country; and

WHEREAS, Every President since Kennedy has issued a formal
proclamation during or before the month of May asking the entire nation
to pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2024, as Older
Americans Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Older Americans Month; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.