proxy2008

This document announces the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) to be held on January 29, 2008. It provides details on the location, time, and purposes of the meeting. Shareholders are encouraged to vote by proxy on proposals that will be considered, including the election of directors, ratification of the independent accounting firm, and several shareholder proposals. The document also contains letters from the Chairman inviting shareholders to the meeting and notifying them of matters to be voted on.