[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 199 (Wednesday, October 15, 1997)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 53697]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-27541]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 199 / Wednesday, October 15, 1997 / 
Presidential Documents

[[Page 53697]]


                Proclamation 7039 of October 10, 1997

                
Columbus Day, 1997

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The life and achievements of Christopher Columbus 
                demonstrate how powerful and lasting an influence one 
                individual can have on the course of human history. 
                Although great explorers reached the shores of this 
                continent both before and after Columbus, few have 
                captured the American imagination as he has. Perhaps 
                because we have always been an adventurous people, 
                eager for challenge and change, we feel a special 
                affinity for this extraordinary man who left the safety 
                of known waters to pursue his vision across the ocean 
                to the threshold of a new world.

                Although his momentous voyages across the Atlantic took 
                place more than 500 years ago, their impact can still 
                be felt today. Columbus' discoveries in the West Indies 
                brought about substantive and continuing contact 
                between the peoples of the Old World and the New, 
                contact that gave rise to misunderstandings and 
                conflicts that we still seek to reconcile today. He 
                also made possible the exploration and settlement of 
                North America and opened the door to our continent for 
                generations to follow--people of every race and culture 
                and ethnic origin, who have given our Nation its rich 
                and unique diversity. Christopher Columbus, a son of 
                Italy whose bold enterprise was made possible by the 
                Spanish crown, holds a special place in the hearts of 
                Americans of Italian and Spanish heritage. But, as we 
                prepare for our own voyage of discovery into the next 
                millennium, all Americans can draw inspiration from the 
                character and accomplishments of Columbus. With vision, 
                courage, imagination, and optimism, we can create a 
                future bright with promise and a new world where all of 
                us can pursue our dreams.

                In recognition of the enduring achievements of 
                Christopher Columbus, the Congress, by joint resolution 
                of April 30, 1934 (48 Stat. 657), and an Act of June 
                28, 1968 (82 Stat. 250), has requested the President to 
                proclaim the second Monday in October of each year as 
                ``Columbus Day.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 
                13, 1997, as Columbus Day. I call upon 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.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                tenth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen 
                hundred and ninety-seven, and of the Independence of 
                the United States of America the two hundred and 
                twenty-second.

                    (Presidential Sig.)<Clinton1><Clinton2>

[FR Doc. 97-27541
Filed 10-14-97; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P