[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 198 (Thursday, October 13, 2016)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 70915-70916]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-24996]


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

[[Page 70915]]


                Proclamation 9520 of October 7, 2016

                
Columbus Day, 2016

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                In October of 1492, Christopher Columbus completed the 
                first of his expeditions that would land him on the 
                shores of North America. Sponsored by Isabella I and 
                Ferdinand II, Columbus embarked on a 10-week voyage he 
                had hoped would lead to Asia. But when his ships 
                instead landed in the Bahamas, a new story began to 
                unfold. The spirit of exploration that Columbus 
                embodied was sustained by all who would follow him 
                westward, driving a desire to continue expanding our 
                understanding of the world.

                Though Columbus departed from the coast of Spain, his 
                roots traced back to his birthplace of Genoa, Italy. 
                Blazing a trail for generations of Italian explorers 
                and Italian Americans to eventually seek the promise of 
                the New World, his voyage churned the gears of history. 
                The bonds between Italy and the United States could not 
                be closer than they are today--a reflection of the 
                extraordinary contributions made by both our peoples in 
                our common efforts to shape a better future. Across our 
                Nation, Italian Americans continue to enrich our 
                country's traditions and culture.

                As we mark this rich history, we must also acknowledge 
                the pain and suffering reflected in the stories of 
                Native Americans who had long resided on this land 
                prior to the arrival of European newcomers. The past we 
                share is marked by too many broken promises, as well as 
                violence, deprivation, and disease. It is a history 
                that we must recognize as we seek to build a brighter 
                future--side by side and with cooperation and mutual 
                respect. We have made great progress together in recent 
                years, and we will keep striving to maintain strong 
                nation-to-nation relationships, strengthen tribal 
                sovereignty, and help all our communities thrive.

                More than five centuries ago, one journey changed the 
                trajectory of our world--and today we recognize the 
                spirit that Christopher Columbus's legacy inspired. As 
                we reflect on the adventurers throughout history who 
                charted new courses and sought new heights, let us 
                remember the communities who suffered, and let us pay 
                tribute to our heritage and embrace the 
                multiculturalism that defines the American experience.

                In commemoration of Christopher Columbus's historic 
                voyage 524 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 
                10, 2016, 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 70916]]

                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. 2016-24996
Filed 10-12-16; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F7-P