[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 201 (Thursday, October 17, 2024)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 83603-83604]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-24140]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 201 / Thursday, October 17, 2024 / 
Presidential Documents

[[Page 83603]]


                Proclamation 10838 of October 11, 2024

                
Columbus Day, 2024

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Today, we celebrate the proud heritage of Italian 
                Americans in our Nation, whose contributions and 
                character have shaped our country's soul.

                I believe we are the only Nation in the world with a 
                heart and soul that draws from old and new. For some 
                Italian-American families, the stories they share about 
                their ancestors' lives in this country stretch back 
                generations. They are stories about immigrants who left 
                everything behind to sail across an ocean and chase the 
                American Dream for the hope of a brighter future. They 
                are stories about ancestors who helped build this 
                country and found America's middle class--and their 
                traditions and recipes still bring joy to their 
                families today. They are stories of Italian-American 
                artists, laborers, lawmakers, and leaders who never 
                gave up on the idea of America. And for many Italian 
                Americans, the story of Christopher Columbus' voyage 
                crossing the Atlantic from the Spanish port of Palos de 
                la Frontera on behalf of Queen Isabella I and King 
                Ferdinand II remains a source of pride. But no matter 
                if their families arrived here centuries ago or only 
                recently, Italian Americans' courage, strength, and 
                character are woven into the rich tapestry of our 
                country.

                For many Italian Americans, the lives of their 
                ancestors in this country were not always easy. In 
                addition to the challenges of starting life in a new 
                land, they also faced discrimination. Columbus Day was 
                founded by President Benjamin Harrison in 1892 in 
                response to the horrific, xenophobic attack that took 
                the lives of 11 Italian Americans the year before. In 
                the face of hate, Italian Americans persisted--
                advancing our Nation and challenging us to live up to 
                our highest values.

                My Administration also recognizes that Italian 
                Americans are a source of strength in our country's 
                unshakeable alliance, strategic partnership, and deep 
                friendship with Italy. The ties between our countries 
                are founded on our shared values and principles: 
                democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights. Both 
                of our nations take pride in standing with the brave 
                people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against 
                Russia's illegal aggression.

                Today, may we honor the history and heritage of Italian 
                Americans and all that they have done to help realize 
                the full promise of America for generations.

                In commemoration of Christopher Columbus' historic 
                voyage 532 years ago, the Congress, by joint resolution 
                of April 30, 1934, and modified in 1968 (36 U.S.C. 
                107), as amended, has requested the President proclaim 
                the second Monday of October of each year as ``Columbus 
                Day.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of 
                the United States of America, do hereby proclaim 
                October 14, 2024, as Columbus Day. I direct that the 
                flag of the United States be displayed on all public 
                buildings on the appointed day in honor of our diverse 
                history and all who have contributed to shaping this 
                Nation.

[[Page 83604]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                eleventh day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and forty-
                ninth.
                <GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT>
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2024-24140
Filed 10-16-24; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3395-F4-P