Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 201 / Friday, October 17, 2014 / Presidential Documents 62301 

Proclamation 9193 of October 10, 2014 

Columbus Day, 2014 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

When Christopher Columbus—a son of Genoa, Italy—set sail across the 

Atlantic, no one could imagine the profound and lasting impact he would 

have on the world. In search of a westward route to Asia, he instead 

spotted the Bahamas. As dawn broke on October 12, 1492, Columbus’s 

crew set foot on a Caribbean island and changed the course of history. 

For much of Europe, this marked the discovery of the New World, and 

it set in motion the more than five centuries that have followed. 

In a new world, explorers found opportunity. They endured unforgiving 

winters and early hardship. They pushed west across a continent, charting 

rivers and mountains, and expanded our understanding of the world as 

they embraced the principle of self-reliance. 

In a new world, a history was written. It tells the story of an idea— 

that all women and men are created equal—and a people’s struggle to 

fulfill it. And it is a history shared by Native Americans, one marred with 

long and shameful chapters of violence, disease, and deprivation. 

In a new world, a Nation was born. A resolute people fought for democracy, 

liberty, and freedom from tyranny. They secured fundamental rights to expression, petition, and free exercise of religion and built a beacon of hope 

to people everywhere who cherish these ideals. 

Columbus’s historic voyage ushered in a new age, and since, the world 

has never been the same. His journey opened the door for generations 

of Italian immigrants who followed his path across an ocean in pursuit 

of the promise of America. Like Columbus, these immigrants and their 

descendants have shaped the place where they landed. Italian Americans 

have enriched our culture and strengthened our country. They have served 

with honor and distinction in our Armed Forces, and today, they embrace 

their rich heritage as leaders in our communities and pioneers of industry. 

On Columbus Day, we reflect on the moment the world changed. And 

as we recognize the influence of Christopher Columbus, we also pay tribute 

to the legacy of Native Americans and our Government’s commitment to 

strengthening their tribal sovereignty. We celebrate the long history of the 

American continents and the contributions of a diverse people, including 

those who have always called this land their home and those who crossed 

an ocean and risked their lives to do so. With the same sense of exploration, 

we boldly pursue new frontiers of space, medicine, and technology and 

dare to change our world once more. 

In commemoration of Christopher Columbus’s historic voyage 522 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, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States 

of America, do hereby proclaim October 13, 2014, 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 


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62302 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 201 / Friday, October 17, 2014 / Presidential Documents 

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. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of 

October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. 

[FR Doc. 2014–24848 

Filed 10–16–14; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3295–F5 


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