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 Proc. 7357 Title 3--The President investments necessary to give them the opportunity to achieve their dreams. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM }. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitu- tion and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 8, 2000, as National Children's Day. I urge all Americans to express their love and appreciation for children on this day and every day throughout the year, and to work within their communities to nurture, love, and teach all our children. I invite Federal officials, State and local governments, and par- ticularly all American families to join together in observing this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities to honor our Nation's children. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of Oc- tober, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON Proclamation 7357 of October 6, 2000 Columbus Day, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation During this first year of the new century, the American people have de- voted time and thought to the people and events of our Nation's past so that we might better prepare for the challenges of the future. While Chris- topher Columbus' epic voyage took place almost three centuries before the founding of our democracy, his journey helped shape our national experi- ence and offers important lessons as we chart our own course for the 21st century. One of the most valuable of those lessons is the importance of sustaining our spirit of adventure, our willingness to explore new concepts and new horizons. Columbus, after careful study and planning, rejected the conven- tional thinking of his time, sailed for the open seas, and succeeded in opening up a New World for the people of Europe. Like Columbus, our founders rejected the familiar paths of the past and ventured boldly to cre- ate a new form of government that has profoundly shaped world history. Explorers, pioneers, inventors, artists, entrepreneurs--all have found a ref- uge in America and a chance to achieve their dreams. Today we have other worlds to explore--from the deepest oceans to the outermost reaches of space to the genetic code of human life. The same ad- venturous spirit that propelled Columbus' explorations will enable us to challenge old assumptions, acquire new knowledge, and broaden the hori- zons of humankind. Columbus' story illustrates the importance of diversity. Columbus was born and raised in Italy; he learned much of his seafaring knowledge and experi- ence from Portuguese sailors and navigators; and he put those skills in service to the King and Queen of Spain, who funded his explorations. By 176

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