    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 7718 of October 9, 2003

    Leif Erikson Day, 2003

    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    Traveling across the Atlantic as the first Nordic to lead an expedition
    to North America, Leif Erikson showed great courage in the face of
    danger. His actions marked the beginning of a longstanding exchange of
    people, ideas, and innovations between North America and the Nordic
    nations of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. As the United
    States celebrates Leif Erikson Day, we honor his historic voyage and
    give thanks for the many contributions of Nordic Americans to our
    Nation, and of our Nordic allies.

    [[Page 3099]]
    117 STAT. 3099

    Since Leif Erikson's voyage, millions of immigrants from the Nordic
    countries have come to America. As teachers, lawyers, judges, doctors,
    authors, athletes, artists, scientists, and business people, and in many
    other occupations, Nordic Americans have contributed to America's
    cultural, political, and economic strength. America has also benefited
    from the diplomatic relationships we have long enjoyed with the Nordic
    nations.
    To honor Leif Erikson, Nordic-American heritage, and America's continued
    relationship with Nordic countries, the Congress, by joint resolution
    (Public Law 88-566) approved on September 2, 1964, has authorized and
    requested the President to proclaim October 9 of each year as ``Leif
    Erikson Day.''
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
    America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2003, 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.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of
    October, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
    eighth.
    GEORGE W. BUSH