[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 197 (Thursday, October 12, 1995)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 53107]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-25480]



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

[[Page 53107]]

                Proclamation 6837 of October 6, 1995

                
Leif Erikson Day, 1995

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Every October, we celebrate Leif Erikson Day and honor 
                the memory of that great Norse explorer who first set 
                foot on North American soil nearly a millennium ago. At 
                a time when mankind has traveled from pole to pole and 
                even journeyed into the vast reaches of space, Leif 
                Erikson's bold determination stands as an early example 
                of the spirit of adventure and enterprise.

                This day is an occasion to celebrate the bonds of 
                friendship that link the United States to the Nordic 
                countries. For generations, Iceland and her neighbors 
                have acted as bridges between Europe and North America, 
                playing a vital role in fostering democracy and free 
                trade throughout the world. Nordic peoples have long 
                shared America's love of liberty and have always 
                reached out to those who struggle against oppression. 
                Today, we in the United States are proud to work with 
                our Northern friends to fully reintegrate the Baltic 
                states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania into the 
                Western family of nations. Together we look forward to 
                a new Europe, united by a common respect for liberty 
                and equality.

                We should also mark this observance by recognizing the 
                outstanding contributions that citizens of Danish, 
                Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, and Swedish descent have 
                made to our country. Just as their ancestors did before 
                them, Nordic Americans cherish their ties across the 
                ocean and bring their many gifts to America's culture, 
                progress, and prosperity. As we remember Leif Erikson, 
                whose voyage preceded so many rugged immigrants who 
                braved the North Atlantic in search of economic, 
                political, and religious liberties, let us pay tribute 
                to his courage and renew our commitment to freedom.

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

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 
                1995, as Leif Erikson Day. I encourage the people of 
                the United States to observe this occasion with 
                appropriate ceremonies and activities commemorating our 
                rich Nordic American heritage.

                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. 95-25480
Filed 10-10-95; 2:59 pm]
Billing code 3195-01-P