[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 196 (Tuesday, October 12, 2004)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 60793]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-23012]



[[Page 60791]]

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Part IV





The President





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Proclamation 7828--Leif Erikson Day, 2004


                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 196 / Tuesday, October 12, 2004 / 
Presidential Documents

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

[[Page 60793]]

                Proclamation 7828 of October 7, 2004

                
Leif Erikson Day, 2004

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                More than 1,000 years ago, Leif Erikson led his crew on 
                a journey across the Atlantic, becoming the first 
                European known to have set foot on North American soil. 
                Every October, we honor this courageous Viking 
                explorer, his historic voyage, and the rich heritage of 
                Nordic Americans.

                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 inspired 
                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 countries, 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 continue to work to advance 
                prosperity, expand freedom, and increase stability 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 September 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-
                American 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 Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 04-23012
Filed 10-8-04; 10:40 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P