Barbara Hillary was 75 years old when she became the first black woman to reach the North Pole.
Susan B. Anthony was 80 years old when she formed the International Woman Suffrage Alliance.
Alex Trebek, aged 79 years old, continues his philanthropic efforts despite battling cancer.
Benjamin Franklin was 70 years of age when he signed the Declaration of Independence.
Mother Teresa was 69 years of age when she won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Nelson Mandela became president of South Africa at age 75.
Mr. Chair, seniors are not a burden. They are a blessing and a gift to our community. They provide wisdom, love and kindness to our community. We need to provide seniors with the life they deserve, a life of dignity; not just because of the fidelity or loyalty we owe them all for building this great country but also because we need their wisdom more than ever during these tumultuous times. Our children need their grandparents' reassurance, our young need their guidance and we could all benefit from their love.
Let's take a moment, Mr. Chair, and thank our seniors, not just for their sake but for ours.