“For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute.”

—Ronald Reagan

Every year, August 21 marks National Senior Citizens Day. The day recognizes older Americans for their past and current contributions to our communities.

National Senior Citizens Day began in 1988 when President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5847. “Throughout our history, older people have achieved much for our families, our communities, and our country,” Reagan proclaimed. “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.”

Reagan‘s words still hold significant meaning more than 30 years later. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that America will have nearly 78 million citizens aged 65 and older by 2035.