Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 105 Part 3.djvu/839

 PROCLAMATION 6354—OCT. 10, 1991 105 STAT. 2723 Despite generations of foreign occupation and repressive rule, including invasion by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union in 1939 and the declaration of martial law in 1981, Poles have remained firm in their hopes for freedom. Their recent triumph over communist rule and their peaceful transition to a democratic system of government underscored the truth of the timeless refrain: "Poland is not lost while Poles still live." Today the people of Poland are writing a bright new chapter in their nation's history. We Americans applaud their courageous steps to reform their economy and government, and we reaffirm our support for their efforts. In addition to offering direct financial aid, the United States has been engaged in efforts to encourage private sector investment and the growtih of market institutions in Poland, through such vehicles as a housing loan guarantee program, the Polish Stabilization Fund, and the Polish-American Enterprise Fund. They symbolize our commitment to helping Poland establish stable democratic rule and a successful market-oriented economy. In recognition of the strong and friendly ties that exist between the United States and Poland, the Congress, by Public Law 102-115, has designated October 1991 as "Polish-American Heritage Month" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this month. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 1991 as Polish-American Heritage Month. I urge all Americans to join their fellow citizens of Polish descent in observance of this month. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixteenth. GEORGE BUSH Proclamation 6354 of October 10, 1991 Columbus Day, 1991 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As we approach the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' first landing in the New World, renewed attention is being focused on this celebrated Admiral of the Ocean Seas in both Europe and the Americas. During our annual observance of Columbus Day, we celebrate all that this master mariner has symbolized to our Nation. For generations, Christopher Columbus has embodied the spirit of exploration and discovery—and the beginning of America itself. When Coliunbus began his first bold transatlantic voyage in 1492, he was pursuing both a theory and an opportunity. The journey promised as much risk as reward, and it required substantial courage, initiative, and resolve on the part of Coliunbus and his crew. These qualities have been shared by virtually every great pioneer. Thus the story of

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