[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 197 (Thursday, October 12, 1995)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 53105-53106]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-25479]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 197 / Thursday, October 12, 1995 / 
Presidential Documents   

[[Page 53105]]

                Proclamation 6836 of October 6, 1995

                
Columbus Day, 1995

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                To pursue ambitious goals and to realize great dreams, 
                we must be willing to venture away from the familiar 
                and comfortable. We must show the strength of our 
                convictions to tackle the challenges, known and 
                unknown, that stand between us and our hopes for the 
                future.

                Today, Christopher Columbus' extraordinary journeys 
                stand as inspiring examples of such determination. This 
                renowned explorer braved the open sea, so feared by his 
                contemporaries, and revealed the splendors of the New 
                World to Renaissance Europe over 500 years ago. He 
                discovered the best use of the North Atlantic wind 
                system, first described the Equatorial Current, and 
                initiated the succeeding rapid exploration and 
                settlement of the Americas.

                During the course of his first transatlantic voyage, 
                Columbus' bold convictions overcame the resistance of 
                the faint-hearted members of his crew. He led them to 
                the Canaries, the Bahama Islands, Cuba, and Haiti, and 
                subsequent sailings took him to other Caribbean 
                islands, Central America, and Venezuela. As with many 
                pioneers throughout history, Columbus' limited 
                understanding of other cultures led to conflicts and 
                controversies--struggles similar to those that 
                challenge our world even now. But the enduring fame of 
                his travels and the opportunity he sought across 
                uncharted waters remain a call to all who seek 
                adventure.

                A native of Genoa, Columbus' courage and commitment led 
                him to leave safe shores in pursuit of his goals. But 
                he could not have made his trips without the support of 
                the Spanish crown. People of Italian and Spanish 
                descent continue to energize communities across our 
                Nation, enhancing every occupation and sector of 
                American society. We are grateful for their tremendous 
                contributions and for the ingenuity of spirit that is 
                Columbus' enduring legacy.

                In tribute to Columbus' many achievements, 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 each year as ``Columbus Day.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 
                1995, 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.

[[Page 53106]]


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

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 95-25479
Filed 10-10-95; 3:00 pm]
Billing code 3195-01-P