Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 196 / Thursday, October 12, 2023 / Presidential Documents 70577 

Proclamation 10650 of October 6, 2023 

Leif Erikson Day, 2023 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

It is believed that, roughly a millennium ago, Leif Erikson and his crew 

became the first Europeans to set foot in North America. These Norse explorers boldly charted new paths that would inspire adventurers for centuries 

to come. With bravery, optimism, and tireless effort, Leif Erikson embodied 

many of the same traits that future generations of Danes, Finns, Icelanders, 

Norwegians, and Swedes would weave into the fabric of America’s story. 

This Leif Erikson Day, we join together to honor the heritage of our Nordic 

communities and celebrate all they have done to strengthen our country. 

Throughout our Nation’s history, countless Nordic immigrants have come 

to America—many with little more than the hope in their hearts. Motivated 

by the promise of possibilities and the search for the American Dream, 

these families packed up their lives on distant shores to build new homes 

here. Establishing communities across our Nation, Nordic Americans have 

contributed so much to our society. Nordic migrants helped lay our country’s 

foundations by fighting for liberty in our Armed Forces; establishing churches, schools, and businesses; and playing essential roles in the labor movement. And as public servants, doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, community 

leaders, and so much more, Nordic Americans continue to push our Nation 

ever forward, enriching every part of American life. 

Today, my Administration also reaffirms our strong relations with Nordic 

nations and their people. Grounded in our shared values of democracy, 

freedom, and justice, America is working with our Nordic partners to take 

on our greatest challenges. We are collaborating to address the climate 

crisis by increasing opportunity and investments in emerging technologies. 

And we are working together to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific 

and to provide security and humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine 

as they defend themselves against Russia’s brutal invasion. In service of 

these missions, last year, the United States supported the ratification process 

for Finland to join NATO—culminating in the fastest ratification period 

in modern history. We continue to fully support Sweden’s membership 

in our alliance. Our nations are stronger together, and we will continue 

working with these capable and committed partners. 

This Leif Erikson Day, we celebrate the tremendous contributions of Nordic 

Americans to our Nation. Most of all, we rededicate ourselves to the American 

spirit of adventure embodied in Leif Erikson’s journey roughly a millennium 

ago. Let us continue to pursue bravely principles of liberty, equality, and 

justice so all people in our country can achieve the American Dream. 

To honor Leif Erikson, son of Iceland and grandson of Norway, and to 

celebrate Nordic-American heritage, the Congress, by joint resolution (Public 

Law 88–566) approved on September 2, 1964, has authorized the President 

of the United States to proclaim October 9th of each year as ‘‘Leif Erikson 

Day.’’ 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States 

of America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2023, as Leif Erikson Day. I 

call upon all Americans to celebrate the contributions of Nordic Americans 

to our Nation with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs. 


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70578 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 196 / Thursday, October 12, 2023 / Presidential Documents 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of 

October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the 

Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortyeighth. 

[FR Doc. 2023–22668 

Filed 10–11–23; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3395–F4–P 


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