[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 199 (Wednesday, October 15, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 59305]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-26205]


 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 199 / Wednesday, October 15, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

 ___________________________________________________________________

 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 59305]]

                Proclamation 7718 of October 9, 2003

                
Leif Erikson Day, 2003

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Traveling across the Atlantic as the first Nordic to 
                lead an expedition to North America, Leif Erikson 
                showed great courage in the face of danger. His actions 
                marked the beginning of a longstanding exchange of 
                people, ideas, and innovations between North America 
                and the Nordic nations of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, 
                Norway, and Sweden. As the United States celebrates 
                Leif Erikson Day, we honor his historic voyage and give 
                thanks for the many contributions of Nordic Americans 
                to our Nation, and of our Nordic allies.

                Since Leif Erikson's voyage, millions of immigrants 
                from the Nordic countries have come to America. As 
                teachers, lawyers, judges, doctors, authors, athletes, 
                artists, scientists, and business people, and in many 
                other occupations, Nordic Americans have contributed to 
                America's cultural, political, and economic strength. 
                America has also benefited from the diplomatic 
                relationships we have long enjoyed with the Nordic 
                nations.

                To honor Leif Erikson, Nordic-American heritage, and 
                America's continued relationship with Nordic countries, 
                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, 
                2003, 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 
                ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand three, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-26205
Filed 10-14-03; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P