IV 

115TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION H. RES. 1109 

Expressing support for the designation of the second Monday in October 

as ‘‘Columbus Day’’. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 

Mr. SUOZZI submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform 

RESOLUTION 

Expressing support for the designation of the second Monday 

in October as ‘‘Columbus Day’’. 

Whereas, on October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus was 

the first of many Italians to chart a course for the New 

World and to exchange with its peoples a wealth of skills 

and experience; 

Whereas through Christopher Columbus’s difficult journey 

across the Atlantic, this ‘‘Son of Italy’’ demonstrated for 

all posterity the power of faith, courage, and individual 

initiative; 

Whereas Christopher Columbus could never have foreseen the 

multicultural, multiracial Nation that would ultimately 

emerge in the New World he helped to discover; 


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•HRES 1109 IH 

Whereas the willingness of Christopher Columbus to sacrifice 

the comfort of his home to pursue the unknown has inspired generations of daring explorers; 

Whereas through the years, Americans have followed in the 

spirit of Christopher Columbus through exploration of 

land, sea, and space; 

Whereas Christopher Columbus continues to be a symbol of 

American individualism and progress; 

Whereas Christopher Columbus has been honored and celebrated throughout the history of the United States; 

Whereas, on October 12, 1792, the New York society of 

Tammany, known also as the Columbian Order, celebrated the third centenary of the historic voyage of 

Christopher Columbus with a dinner and elaborate ceremonies; 

Whereas the first permanent monument to Christopher Columbus in the United States was erected in 1810 in Baltimore by one of Lafayette’s former officers; 

Whereas in 1892, President Benjamin Harrison issued a 

Presidential proclamation on the 400th anniversary of 

Christopher Columbus’ first voyage, describing Columbus 

as the ‘‘pioneer of progress and enlightenment’’; 

Whereas President Benjamin Harrison urged citizen participation in commemorative services, and the organization 

of programs by schools; 

Whereas the Columbian Exposition in Chicago, which opened 

in 1893, was the national celebration of the 400th anniversary to honor Christopher Columbus; 


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•HRES 1109 IH 

Whereas the Pledge of Allegiance was written in honor of the 

400th anniversary, and the first United States commemorative coins and stamps were also issued about this event; 

Whereas in 1905, the governor of Colorado issued a Columbus Day proclamation and, in 1909, signed legislation— 

without opposition—making Columbus Day a State holiday; 

Whereas within that year, 10 more States followed in creating a State Columbus Day; 

Whereas in commemoration of the historic voyage of Christopher Columbus, the Congress, by joint resolution of 

April 30, 1934, as modified in 1968 (section 107 of title 

36, United States Code), has requested the President 

proclaim the second Monday of each year as ‘‘Columbus 

Day’’; 

Whereas Presidents have called upon the people of the United 

States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies 

and activities, including the display of the United States 

flag on all public buildings in honor of Christopher Columbus; 

Whereas by 1968, 45 States observed Columbus Day; 

Whereas Christopher Columbus had become an ethnic hero as 

well as a national hero; 

Whereas Italian Americans played a major role in turning 

Columbus Day into a full Federal holiday in 1968 (section 6103 of title 5, United States Code); 

Whereas by commemorating the voyage of Christopher Columbus to the New World, Congress believed that the Nation would be honoring the courage and determination, 

which enabled generations of immigrants from many nations to find freedom and opportunity in America; 


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•HRES 1109 IH 

Whereas the history and celebration of Columbus Day in the 

United States is long and profound; 

Whereas Christopher Columbus’s discovery of the New 

World, almost 500 years ago, is ingrained in our history 

as a Nation and a people; and 

Whereas Christopher Columbus, a true hero, represents the 

spirit of discovery and independence of the United States: 

Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) supports the designation of the second Mon3 day in October as ‘‘Columbus Day’’; and 

4 (2) urges the people of the United States to ob5 serve ‘‘Columbus Day’’ with appropriate programs 

6 and activities. 

Æ 


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