[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 196 (Thursday, October 14, 2021)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 57005-57006]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22513]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 196 / Thursday, October 14, 2021 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 57005]]


                Proclamation 10280 of October 8, 2021

                
Leif Erikson Day, 2021

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The voyage of Leif Erikson and his valiant crew--bold 
                explorers from Scandinavia, believed to have been the 
                first Europeans to reach the shores of North America--
                has been a source of inspiration to Nordic Americans 
                for generations. Although they made landfall more than 
                a millennium ago, their historic journey still embodies 
                the spirit of exploration and the ongoing contributions 
                of Nordic Americans to the diversity of our great 
                Nation.

                Eight centuries after Leif Erikson's expedition, on 
                October 9, 1825, six Norwegian families arrived in New 
                York City in search of freedom and opportunity. This 
                first group of organized Norwegian immigrants to the 
                United States blazed a new path that fellow 
                Norwegians--as well as Danes, Finns, Icelanders, and 
                Swedes--soon followed, establishing communities in the 
                Great Lakes States, in the northern Great Plains, in 
                enclaves among northern United States cities, and 
                elsewhere across our country. These Northern European 
                settlers have become part of America's rich tapestry, 
                and through service, sacrifice, and countless 
                contributions they have fortified America's culture, 
                society, and economy.

                Today, more than 11 million Americans proudly trace 
                their ancestry to Nordic countries. Nordic Americans 
                are leaders in our communities--public officials 
                serving their constituents, law enforcement officers 
                and service members defending our Nation, doctors and 
                nurses, educators, artists, essential workers leading 
                us through the pandemic, visionaries creating new 
                businesses, and so many other important roles. Our 
                Nation is stronger and more dynamic because of the 
                contributions of Nordic Americans. On Leif Erikson Day, 
                we express our appreciation for the many contributions 
                of Nordic Americans, who have enhanced American society 
                and strengthened our cultural diversity.

                While the great era of Scandinavian immigration 
                occurred more than a century ago, the legacy of Nordic 
                immigrants endures, along with the values and interests 
                we share with their original homelands--including 
                increasing opportunity for all and recognizing the 
                inherent dignity of every human being. We share mutual 
                commitments to democracy, freedom, human rights, rule 
                of law, security, and prosperity, and Nordic countries 
                remain some of our most reliable military allies and 
                economic partners, helping us meet the shared 
                challenges of our time. The United States greatly 
                values our continued friendship.

                To honor Leif Erikson, son of Iceland and grandson of 
                Norway, and to 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 9th 
                of each year as ``Leif Erikson Day.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., 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, 
                2021, as Leif Erikson Day. I call upon all Americans to 
                celebrate the contributions of Nordic Americans to our 
                Nation with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and 
                programs.

[[Page 57006]]

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

[FR Doc. 2021-22513
Filed 10-13-21; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3395-F2-P