[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 198 (Thursday, October 15, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 52863-52864]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-24953]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 198 / Thursday, October 15, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 52863]]

                Proclamation 8435 of October 7, 2009

                
Leif Erikson Day, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On this day in 1825, the ship Restauration landed in 
                New York City after sailing for 3 months from 
                Stavanger, Norway. The 52 passengers aboard represented 
                the first organized emigration of Norwegians to 
                America. These brave individuals set to the seas, 
                following in the grand footsteps of the famous 
                Scandinavian explorer Leif Erikson. Over a millennium 
                ago, Leif Erikson--son of Iceland and grandson of 
                Norway--arrived in North America and founded the 
                settlement Vinland, located in modern-day Canada. 
                Today, we celebrate his historic voyage and remember 
                those who journeyed to America from far-away lands.

                Our Nation's founding history is marked by millions of 
                individuals who faced great hardship and difficulty as 
                they pursued a brighter future abroad. As explorers, 
                they did not know what they would find, but they were 
                determined not to turn back, in order to learn what lay 
                beyond the setting sun. This same spirit lived within 
                Leif Erikson, and it has inspired countless others who 
                venture from their homes in search of opportunity, 
                uncertain of the possibilities and challenges that 
                await them.

                Today, our Nation continues to welcome those 
                descendents of Leif Erikson to our shores. Nordic 
                Americans have contributed immeasurably to the success 
                of America. Their cultural accomplishments have 
                enriched the diversity of our country. And their 
                pioneering spirit continues to embody our Nation's 
                unbounded enthusiasm for discovery and learning.

                To honor Leif Erikson and celebrate our Nordic-American 
                heritage, the Congress, by joint resolution (Public Law 
                88-566) approved on September 2, 1964, has authorized 
                the President to proclaim October 9 of each year as 
                ``Leif Erikson Day.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 
                2009, as Leif Erikson Day, and I call upon all 
                Americans to observe this day with appropriate 
                ceremonies, activities, and programs to honor our 
                country's rich Nordic-American heritage.

[[Page 52864]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-24953
Filed 10-14-09; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P