[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 201 (Thursday, October 17, 2019)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 55491-55492]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-22807]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 201 / Thursday, October 17, 2019 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 55491]]


                Proclamation 9949 of October 11, 2019

                
Columbus Day, 2019

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On October 12, 1492, after a perilous, two-month 
                journey across the treacherous Atlantic Ocean, 
                Christopher Columbus and his crew aboard the 
                Ni[ntilde]a, Pinta, and Santa Maria landed in what is 
                today The Bahamas. This watershed voyage ushered in the 
                Age of Exploration, changing the course of history and 
                setting the foundation for development of our Nation. 
                Today, we commemorate this great explorer, whose 
                courage, skill, and drive for discovery are at the core 
                of the American spirit.

                While Columbus sailed from the port of Palos under the 
                Spanish flag, he took pride in the fact that he was a 
                citizen of Genoa, Italy. The celebration of Columbus 
                Day is, therefore, an appropriate opportunity to 
                recognize the more than 16 million Americans who claim 
                Italian heritage and to carry forth the legacy of 
                generations of Italian Americans who helped shape our 
                Nation. The United States greatly values its close bond 
                with Italy, a longstanding friend, ally, and economic 
                partner. Our relationship, built on shared values and a 
                commitment to furthering peace and prosperity, 
                continues to benefit both of our nations.

                Columbus's daring voyage to the New World brought two 
                continents together, enabling a global perspective for 
                the first time. The bold legacy of Columbus and his 
                crew spun a thread that weaves through the extensive 
                history of Americans who have pushed the boundaries of 
                exploration. On Columbus Day, we draw inspiration from 
                this intrepid pioneer's spirit of adventure. We also 
                affirm our commitment to continuing our quest to 
                discover and better understand the wonders of our 
                Nation, the world, and beyond.

                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 14, 2019, 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 55492]]

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

[FR Doc. 2019-22807
Filed 10-16-19; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F0-P