Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 118.djvu/4223

 118 STAT. 4193 PROCLAMATION 7829—OCT. 11, 2004 Immigrants from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden and their descendants have made great contributions to our Nation in the fields of business, politics, the arts, education, agriculture, and other areas. Nordic Americans have also made a significant mark on our country’s society and culture, and have helped to establish and define America’s most cherished principles. Their energy and spirit have in- spired others, and their courage, skill, and determination have played an important role in the development of our country. Today, millions of people in the United States trace their origins to these Nordic coun- tries, and their contributions to America make our country stronger and better. On this day, we also recognize our longstanding ties to these nations that were home to the ancestors of many Americans. Together, we con- tinue to work to advance prosperity, expand freedom, and increase sta- bility and security in Europe and elsewhere in the world. To honor Leif Erikson, the courageous son of Iceland and grandson of Norway, and to celebrate our citizens of Nordic-American heritage, the Congress, by joint resolution (Public Law 88–566) approved on Sep- tember 2, 1964, has authorized and requested the President to proclaim October 9 of each year as ‘‘Leif Erikson Day.’’; NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2004, as Leif Erikson Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to honor our rich Nordic-Amer- ican heritage. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and twen- ty-ninth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7829 of October 11, 2004 Columbus Day, 2004 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The journeys of Christopher Columbus are among the world’s greatest stories of daring and discovery. His courage, optimism, and adven- turous spirit altered the course of history. On Columbus Day, we cele- brate this remarkable explorer and his contributions to the ‘‘New World.’’; In August 1492, Columbus left Spain and sailed into the unknown with the simplest of navigational equipment. The risks were great and the outcome uncertain. Yet, Columbus was committed to the cause of discovery, finding a more efficient trade route to the East and advanc- ing European civilization. Today, Columbus’ voyages continue to stir our imagination and en- courage us to explore new frontiers. His spirit of determination and discovery is a characteristic shared by the American people and is re- VerDate 11-MAY-2000 15:04 Nov 10, 2005 Jkt 029194 PO 00000 Frm 00159 Fmt 8087 Sfmt 8087 C:\STATUTES\2004\29194PT4.004 APPS10 PsN: 29194PT4

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