[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 120, 109th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

120 STAT. 3894
 
PROCLAMATION 8063--OCT. 4, 2006



Proclamation 8063 of October 4, 2006
Leif Erikson Day, 2006
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Leif Erikson Day honors a great son of Iceland and grandson of Norway
who became one of the first Europeans known to reach North America. This
day is also an opportunity to celebrate the generations of Nordic
Americans who have contributed to our country and strengthened the ties
that forever bind the United States with Denmark, Finland, Iceland,
Norway, and Sweden.
Like the crew of risk takers that Leif Erikson boldly led on a quest to
find new lands, Americans have always valued the ideals of exploration
and discovery. A desire to seek and understand inspired their voyage
more than a millennium ago, and it remains a central part of our
national character as a new generation pursues great new goals today.
Nordic Americans continue to make valuable contributions to our society
that have expanded human knowledge and helped make our world a better
place.
To honor Leif Erikson and to celebrate our citizens of Nordic-American
heritage, the Congress, by joint resolution (Public Law 88-566) approved
on September 2, 1964, has authorized 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, 2006, 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 fourth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
GEORGE W. BUSH