[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 199 (Friday, October 16, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 53147-53148]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-25082]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 199 / Friday, October 16, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents

[[Page 53147]]


                Proclamation 8437 of October 9, 2009

                
Columbus Day, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                More than 500 years have passed since Christopher 
                Columbus set sail across the Atlantic Ocean in a bold 
                attempt to expand human understanding of the known 
                world. His voyage radically altered the course of 
                history and changed our world forever. Many generations 
                later, that same spirit of exploration inspires 
                Americans to pursue brave new frontiers in business, 
                science, and technology. Today, we reflect on the 
                transformation of North America from a land of 
                boundless opportunity to the modern communities of the 
                21st century.

                Born in Genoa, Italy, Christopher Columbus' journey 
                aboard three Spanish ships revealed a new land for many 
                European nations whose people would later flock to our 
                shores in search of prosperity and freedom. These 
                immigrants joined many thriving indigenous communities 
                who suffered great hardships as a result of the changes 
                to the land they inhabited. Although their competing 
                ways of life were initially at odds, over time, the 
                ``New World'' became a culturally and ethnically 
                diverse place where we now enjoy the free exchange of 
                ideas and democratic self-governance. Tribal 
                communities continue to strengthen our Nation through 
                their rich heritage and unique identity.

                Columbus inspired generations of men and women to 
                search out the farthest reaches of the world. From the 
                coasts of Newfoundland to the Gulf of Mexico, explorers 
                of Italian descent have directly influenced the growth 
                of North America. Their dedication to our country has 
                helped lay the foundation on which America was built. 
                Today, Italian Americans continue to contribute 
                immeasurably to the identity of our Nation, as role 
                models, leaders, innovators, and committed public 
                servants. From the boardroom to the classroom, they are 
                prominent in every facet of American life.

                In commemoration of Christopher Columbus' historic 
                exploration 517 years ago, the Congress, by joint 
                resolution of April 30, 1934 (48 Stat. 657), and an Act 
                of June 28, 1968 (82 Stat. 250), has requested that the 
                President proclaim the second Monday of October of each 
                year as ``Columbus Day.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 
                12, 2009, as Columbus Day. I call upon all the people 
                of the United States to observe this day with 
                appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also direct 
                that the flag of the United States be displayed on all 
                public buildings on the appointed day in honor of 
                Christopher Columbus.

[[Page 53148]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
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                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-25082
Filed 10-15-09; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P