[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 201 (Monday, October 19, 2015)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 63077-63078]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-26589]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 201 / Monday, October 19, 2015 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 63077]]


                Proclamation 9348 of October 9, 2015

                
Columbus Day, 2015

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Over half a millennium ago, Christopher Columbus--an 
                ambitious navigator native to Genoa, Italy--set sail 
                for new horizons. Aboard the Ni[ntilde]a, the Pinta, 
                and the Santa Mar[iacute]a, his expedition went west 
                for a months-long journey. Though his first of four 
                voyages across the Atlantic did not end at his desired 
                destination of Asia, Columbus's adventure reflected the 
                insatiable thirst for exploration that continues to 
                drive us as a people.

                Columbus's legacy is embodied in the spirit of our 
                Nation. Determined and curious, the young explorer 
                persevered after having been doubted by many of his 
                potential patrons. Once opportunity struck, when 
                Ferdinand II and Isabella I agreed to sponsor his trip, 
                he seized the moment and pursued what he knew to be 
                possible. Columbus's arrival in the New World inspired 
                many and allowed for generations of Italians to 
                follow--people whose Italian-American heritage 
                contributes in immeasurable ways to making our country 
                what it is, and who continue to help strengthen the 
                friendship between the United States and Italy.

                Though these early travels expanded the realm of 
                European exploration, to many they also marked a time 
                that forever changed the world for the indigenous 
                peoples of North America. Previously unseen disease, 
                devastation, and violence were introduced to their 
                lives--and as we pay tribute to the ways in which 
                Columbus pursued ambitious goals--we also recognize the 
                suffering inflicted upon Native Americans and we 
                recommit to strengthening tribal sovereignty and 
                maintaining our strong ties.

                In the years since Columbus's time, the legacy of early 
                explorers has carried on in the wide eyes of aspiring 
                young dreamers and doers, eager to make their own 
                journeys and to continue reaching for the unknown and 
                unlocking new potential.

                In commemoration of Christopher Columbus's historic 
                voyage 523 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 
                12, 2015, 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 our diverse 
                history and all who have contributed to shaping this 
                Nation.

[[Page 63078]]

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

[FR Doc. 2015-26589
Filed 10-16-15; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F6-P