[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 197 (Thursday, October 13, 2005)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 59983-59984]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-20658]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 197 / Thursday, October 13, 2005 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 59983]]


                Proclamation 7944 of October 7, 2005

                
Columbus Day, 2005

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Christopher Columbus' journey across uncharted waters 
                in 1492 changed the course of history. Overcoming many 
                obstacles, the explorer from Genoa pursued a dream that 
                carried him to the ``New World'' and helped launch an 
                age of exploration, leading to the founding of new 
                countries across the Americas. Through the years, the 
                desire to discover and understand has been a part of 
                our Nation's character, and Columbus' spirit has 
                inspired generations of explorers and inventors. On 
                Columbus Day, we honor Christopher Columbus and the 
                vision that carried him on his historic voyage.

                Since 1934, when President Roosevelt first proclaimed 
                the national holiday, our Nation has observed Columbus 
                Day to mark the moment when the Old World met the New. 
                As we recognize Columbus' legacy, we also celebrate the 
                contributions of Italian Americans to our Nation's 
                growth and well-being. Americans of Italian descent are 
                musicians and athletes, doctors and lawyers, teachers 
                and first responders. They are serving bravely in our 
                Armed Forces. From our country's first days, the sons 
                and daughters of Italy have brought honor to themselves 
                and enriched our national life.

                More than 500 years after Columbus' journey, we are 
                honored that the Italian Republic is among our closest 
                friends and strongest allies. On Columbus Day, we 
                celebrate this strong bond between America and Italy.

                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 
                10, 2005, 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 59984]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand five, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 05-20658
Filed 10-12-05; 9:19 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P