[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