[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 199 (Friday, October 15, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 63693-63694]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-26219]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 199 / Friday, October 15, 2010 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 63693]]


                Proclamation 8584 of October 8, 2010

                
Columbus Day, 2010

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Over five centuries ago, Christopher Columbus set sail 
                across the Atlantic Ocean in search of a new trade 
                route to India. The findings of this explorer from 
                Genoa, Italy, would change the map of the world and 
                forever alter the course of human history.

                When Columbus's crewmembers came ashore in the 
                Americas, they arrived in a world previously unknown to 
                his contemporaries in Europe. Columbus returned to the 
                Caribbean three more times after his maiden voyage in 
                1492, convinced of the vast potential of what he had 
                seen. His expeditions foreshadowed the journey across 
                the seas for millions of courageous immigrants who 
                followed. As they settled, they joined indigenous 
                communities with thriving cultures. Today, we reflect 
                on the myriad contributions tribal communities have 
                made to our Nation and the world, and we remember the 
                tremendous suffering they endured as this land changed.

                For more than 500 years, women and men from every 
                corner of the globe have embarked on journeys to our 
                shores as did Columbus. Some have sought refuge from 
                religious or political oppression, and others have 
                departed nations ravaged by war, famine, or economic 
                despair. Columbus charted a course for generations of 
                Italians who followed his crossing to America. As Italy 
                marks the 150th anniversary of its unification this 
                year, we celebrate the incalculable contributions of 
                Italian Americans, whose determination, hard work, and 
                leadership have done so much to build the strength of 
                our Nation.

                What Columbus encountered over half a millennia ago was 
                more than earth or continent. His epic quest into the 
                unknown may not have revealed the new trade route he 
                sought, but it exposed the boundless potential of a new 
                frontier. It is this intrepid character and spirit of 
                possibility that has come to define America, and is the 
                reason countless families still journey to our shores.

                In commemoration of Christopher Columbus' historic 
                voyage 518 years ago, the Congress, by joint resolution 
                of April 30, 1934, and modified in 1968 (36 U.S.C. 
                107), as amended, has requested the President proclaim 
                the second Monday of October of each year as ``Columbus 
                Day.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 
                11, 2010, 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 63694]]

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

[FR Doc. 2010-26219
Filed 10-14-10; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P