[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 197 (Thursday, October 13, 2005)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 59981]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-20657]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 197 / Thursday, October 13, 2005 / 
Presidential Documents

[[Page 59981]]


                Proclamation 7943 of October 7, 2005

                
Leif Erikson Day, 2005

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                More than 1,000 years ago, Leif Erikson left the coast 
                of Greenland and began a journey to explore new lands. 
                He made that voyage in the spirit of discovery and 
                became one of the first Europeans known to have reached 
                North America, inspiring stories of bountiful lands and 
                charting a way for future explorers to follow. On Leif 
                Erikson Day, we celebrate the accomplishments of Leif 
                Erikson and his crew, and we honor the many 
                contributions of Nordic Americans to our Nation.

                The journey of Leif Erikson reflects the spirit that 
                has made America strong, as the desire to explore and 
                understand is part of our national character. Today, we 
                continue to push the frontiers of knowledge in many 
                areas and especially with our exploration of space, 
                drawn to the heavens as we were once drawn to the open 
                seas.

                Generations of Nordic Americans have come to our 
                country with a sense of determination and optimism, and 
                they have helped build a stronger and more vibrant 
                Nation. On Leif Erikson Day, we celebrate Nordic 
                Americans, as well as the ties between America and the 
                Nordic nations. We are joined by a common respect for 
                liberty, human rights, and the dignity of every person. 
                Working together, we are spreading freedom and hope, 
                and we are helping to build a better and more 
                compassionate world.

                To honor Leif Erikson, son of Iceland and grandson of 
                Norway, and to celebrate our citizens of Nordic-
                American heritage, the Congress, by joint resolution 
                (Public Law 88-566) approved on September 2, 1964, has 
                authorized and requested the President to proclaim 
                October 9 of each year as ``Leif Erikson Day.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 
                2005, as Leif Erikson Day. I call upon all Americans to 
                observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, 
                activities, and programs to honor our rich Nordic-
                American heritage.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand five, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 05-20657
Filed 10-12-05; 9:18 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P