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

    Proclamation 7720 of October 10, 2003

    Columbus Day, 2003

    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    When Christopher Columbus set out from Spain in August 1492, he launched
    an era of discovery and exploration that continues today. On Columbus
    Day, we honor this Italian explorer's courage and vision, and recognize
    his four journeys to the ``New World.''
    One of the first known celebrations of Christopher Columbus'
    achievements was in 1792 when a ceremony in New York City celebrated the
    300th anniversary of his landing in the Bahamas. Italian Americans began
    regularly honoring Columbus in the 1860s. In 1892, President Benjamin
    Harrison issued a Presidential proclamation on the 400th anniversary of
    Columbus' first voyage, describing Columbus as ``the pioneer of progress
    and enlightenment.'' The United States now celebrates a national holiday
    in honor of Columbus.
    Columbus' willingness to sacrifice the comfort of his home to pursue the
    unknown has inspired generations of daring explorers. Through the years,
    Americans have followed in the spirit of Columbus through exploration of
    land, sea, and space, and are fulfilling Columbus' great legacy. Since
    the days of Columbus, millions of Italian immigrants have crossed the
    ocean and come to the United States. These Italian Americans and their
    descendants have made America stronger and better.
    In commemoration of Columbus' journey, the Congress, by joint resolution
    of April 30, 1934, and modified in 1968 (36 U.S.C. 107), as

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    amended, has requested that the President proclaim the second Monday of
    October of each year as ``Columbus Day.''
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
    America, do hereby proclaim October 13, 2003, 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 Christopher Columbus.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth 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