[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 196 (Thursday, October 12, 2023)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 70577-70578]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-22668]




                        Presidential Documents 



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

[[Page 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.

[[Page 70578]]

                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 forty-
                eighth.
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                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2023-22668
Filed 10-11-23; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3395-F4-P