[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 197 (Friday, October 13, 2017)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 47949-47950]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-22423]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 82 , No. 197 / Friday, October 13, 2017 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 47949]]


                Proclamation 9656 of October 6, 2017

                
Columbus Day, 2017

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Five hundred and twenty-five years ago, Christopher 
                Columbus completed an ambitious and daring voyage 
                across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas. The voyage 
                was a remarkable and then-unparalleled feat that helped 
                launch the age of exploration and discovery. The 
                permanent arrival of Europeans to the Americas was a 
                transformative event that undeniably and fundamentally 
                changed the course of human history and set the stage 
                for the development of our great Nation. Therefore, on 
                Columbus Day, we honor the skilled navigator and man of 
                faith, whose courageous feat brought together 
                continents and has inspired countless others to pursue 
                their dreams and convictions--even in the face of 
                extreme doubt and tremendous adversity.

                More than five centuries after his initial voyage, we 
                remember the ``Admiral of the Ocean Sea'' for building 
                the critical first link in the strong and enduring bond 
                between the United States and Europe. While Isabella I 
                and Ferdinand II of Spain sponsored his historic 
                voyage, Columbus was a native of the City of Genoa, in 
                present day Italy, and represents the rich history of 
                important Italian American contributions to our great 
                Nation. There can be no doubt that American culture, 
                business, and civic life would all be much less vibrant 
                in the absence of the Italian American community. We 
                also take this opportunity to reaffirm our close ties 
                to Columbus's country of birth, Italy. Italy is a 
                strong ally and a valued partner in promoting peace and 
                promoting prosperity around the world.

                In commemoration of Christopher Columbus's historic 
                voyage, 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, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2017, 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 47950]]

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

[FR Doc. 2017-22423
Filed 10-12-17; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F8-P