[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 200 (Thursday, October 16, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 59515-59516]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-26330]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 200 / Thursday, October 16, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 59515]]


                Proclamation 7720 of October 10, 2003

                
Columbus Day, 2003

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                When Christopher Columbus set out from Spain in August 
                1492, he launched an era of discovery and exploration 
                that continues today. On Columbus Day, we honor this 
                Italian explorer's courage and vision, and recognize 
                his four journeys to the ``New World.''

                One of the first known celebrations of Christopher 
                Columbus' achievements was in 1792 when a ceremony in 
                New York City celebrated the 300th anniversary of his 
                landing in the Bahamas. Italian Americans began 
                regularly honoring Columbus in the 1860s. In 1892, 
                President Benjamin Harrison issued a Presidential 
                proclamation on the 400th anniversary of Columbus' 
                first voyage, describing Columbus as ``the pioneer of 
                progress and enlightenment.'' The United States now 
                celebrates a national holiday in honor of Columbus.

                Columbus' willingness to sacrifice the comfort of his 
                home to pursue the unknown has inspired generations of 
                daring explorers. Through the years, Americans have 
                followed in the spirit of Columbus through exploration 
                of land, sea, and space, and are fulfilling Columbus' 
                great legacy. Since the days of Columbus, millions of 
                Italian immigrants have crossed the ocean and come to 
                the United States. These Italian Americans and their 
                descendants have made America stronger and better.

                In commemoration of Columbus' journey, the Congress, by 
                joint resolution of April 30, 1934, and modified in 
                1968 (36 U.S.C. 107), as amended, has requested that 
                the President proclaim the second Monday of October of 
                each year as ``Columbus Day.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 
                13, 2003, 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 59516]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                tenth 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. 03-26330
Filed 10-15-03; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P