[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 198 (Thursday, October 13, 2016)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 70913-70914]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-24995]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 198 / Thursday, October 13, 2016 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 70913]]


                Proclamation 9519 of October 7, 2016

                
Leif Erikson Day, 2016

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                More than 1,000 years ago, an intrepid Scandinavian 
                explorer, Leif Erikson, embarked on a voyage that 
                landed him on the North American coast. A son of 
                Iceland and grandson of Norway, Erikson and his crew 
                are believed to be the first Europeans to reach the 
                shores of our continent, founding the Vinland 
                settlement in modern-day Canada. Today, we recall Leif 
                Erikson's historic journey as we seek to carry forward 
                the bold spirit of exploration that has inspired Nordic 
                Americans for generations.

                Eight centuries after Leif Erikson's trip, six families 
                of Norwegians boarded a ship called Restauration bound 
                for New York City. Following in Erikson's footsteps, 
                these individuals sought the promise of freedom and 
                opportunity America offered and became the first group 
                of organized American immigrants from Norway. Millions 
                of Americans proudly trace their ancestry to Nordic 
                countries, raised by parents and grandparents who 
                crossed oceans to carve out new lives for their 
                families and help steer the course of our country. The 
                United States and our Nordic partners are united by 
                ties of family and friendship, history and heritage. 
                Earlier this year, I was proud to welcome Nordic 
                leaders to the White House. This visit illustrated many 
                of the values and interests we share--including 
                increasing opportunity for all and recognizing the 
                inherent dignity of every human being.

                Nordic countries remain some of our most reliable and 
                effective partners, steadfastly helping us meet the 
                shared challenges of our time. We remain grateful for 
                their friendship, and for the ways the Nordic people 
                have influenced our country and enhanced the American 
                melting pot. On Leif Erikson Day, as we express our 
                appreciation for the myriad contributions of Nordic 
                Americans, let us remember the discovery that set this 
                profound history in motion.

                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 of the United States 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, 
                2016, as Leif Erikson Day. I call upon all Americans to 
                observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, 
                activities, and programs to honor our rich Nordic-
                American heritage.

[[Page 70914]]

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

[FR Doc. 2016-24995
Filed 10-12-16; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F7-P