Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 83.djvu/987

 83 STAT. ]

PROCLAMATION 3929-SEPT. 11, 1969

shores of North America. These resourceful explorers opened new horizons to the west—a truly courageous and historic achievement. Born of vision, courage and determination, Leif Erikson's success became an inspiration for later accomplishments. The spirit of Leif Erikson has continued to inspire millions of people, particularly the ten million Americans whose ancestors came from the Viking lands. It is especially appropriate that we recognize Leif Erikson's explorations in 1969, the year m which a new kind of explorers landed on the moon and returned home to inspire all mankind from now on. I am honored to comply with the request of the Congress of the United States, in a joint resolution approved September 2, 1964 (78 Stat. 849), that the President proclaim October 9 in each year as Leif Erikson Day. NOW, THEKEFOKE, I, RICHARD NIXON, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate Thursday, October 9, 1969, as Leif Erikson Day; and I direct the appropriate government officials to display the flag of the United States on all government buildings on that day. I also invite the people of the United States to honor the memory of Leif Erikson on that day by holding appropriate exercises and ceremonies in schools and churches, or ouier suitable places. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred sixty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred ninety-fourth.

959

36 USC i69c.

(j2jju^^yc.:/^ Proclamation 3929 COLUMBUS DAY, 1969 By the President of the United States of America

September 11, 1969

A Proclamation

On October 12 we again celebrate in honor of the great sea captain and explorer whose historic westward voyage across the Atlantic led to the permanent settlement of America. Kespect for the achievement of Christopher Columbus is especially appropriate this year when we have witnessed an epic journey of discovery, the journey to the moon. Both the voyages of Columbus and those of our modern astronauts are expressions of man's great ambition to confront the unknown, and to master the challenges of distance and space. We remember also that Columbus was a man of Italy, a noble example for the many other men of Italy who have come to our country and to so many other lands of the new world. Sailing in the service of the Spanish crown, which had the vision to support his courage and initiative, Christopher Columbus opened America for all the people of the world. In tribute to the memory of Columbus, the Congress of the United States, by a joint resolution approved April 30, 1934 (48 Stat. 657), 36 USC i46. requested the President to proclaim October 12 of each year as Columbus Day for the observance of the anniversary of the discovery of America.

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