[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 201 (Friday, October 17, 2014)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 62301-62302]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-24848]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 201 / Friday, October 17, 2014 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 62301]]


                Proclamation 9193 of October 10, 2014

                
Columbus Day, 2014

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                When Christopher Columbus--a son of Genoa, Italy--set 
                sail across the Atlantic, no one could imagine the 
                profound and lasting impact he would have on the world. 
                In search of a westward route to Asia, he instead 
                spotted the Bahamas. As dawn broke on October 12, 1492, 
                Columbus's crew set foot on a Caribbean island and 
                changed the course of history. For much of Europe, this 
                marked the discovery of the New World, and it set in 
                motion the more than five centuries that have followed.

                In a new world, explorers found opportunity. They 
                endured unforgiving winters and early hardship. They 
                pushed west across a continent, charting rivers and 
                mountains, and expanded our understanding of the world 
                as they embraced the principle of self-reliance.

                In a new world, a history was written. It tells the 
                story of an idea--that all women and men are created 
                equal--and a people's struggle to fulfill it. And it is 
                a history shared by Native Americans, one marred with 
                long and shameful chapters of violence, disease, and 
                deprivation.

                In a new world, a Nation was born. A resolute people 
                fought for democracy, liberty, and freedom from 
                tyranny. They secured fundamental rights to expression, 
                petition, and free exercise of religion and built a 
                beacon of hope to people everywhere who cherish these 
                ideals.

                Columbus's historic voyage ushered in a new age, and 
                since, the world has never been the same. His journey 
                opened the door for generations of Italian immigrants 
                who followed his path across an ocean in pursuit of the 
                promise of America. Like Columbus, these immigrants and 
                their descendants have shaped the place where they 
                landed. Italian Americans have enriched our culture and 
                strengthened our country. They have served with honor 
                and distinction in our Armed Forces, and today, they 
                embrace their rich heritage as leaders in our 
                communities and pioneers of industry.

                On Columbus Day, we reflect on the moment the world 
                changed. And as we recognize the influence of 
                Christopher Columbus, we also pay tribute to the legacy 
                of Native Americans and our Government's commitment to 
                strengthening their tribal sovereignty. We celebrate 
                the long history of the American continents and the 
                contributions of a diverse people, including those who 
                have always called this land their home and those who 
                crossed an ocean and risked their lives to do so. With 
                the same sense of exploration, we boldly pursue new 
                frontiers of space, medicine, and technology and dare 
                to change our world once more.

                In commemoration of Christopher Columbus's historic 
                voyage 522 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 
                13, 2014, 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

[[Page 62302]]

                be displayed on all public buildings on the appointed 
                day in honor of our diverse history and all who have 
                contributed to shaping this Nation.

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

[FR Doc. 2014-24848
Filed 10-16-14; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F5