    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8584--OCT. 8, 2010

    Proclamation 8584 of October 8, 2010
    Columbus Day, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    Over five centuries ago, Christopher Columbus set sail across the
    Atlantic Ocean in search of a new trade route to India. The findings of
    this explorer from Genoa, Italy, would change the map of the world and
    forever alter the course of human history.
    When Columbus's crewmembers came ashore in the Americas, they arrived in
    a world previously unknown to his contemporaries in Europe. Columbus
    returned to the Caribbean three more times after his maiden voyage in
    1492, convinced of the vast potential of what he had seen. His
    expeditions foreshadowed the journey across the seas for millions of
    courageous immigrants who followed. As they settled, they joined
    indigenous communities with thriving cultures. Today, we reflect on the
    myriad contributions tribal communities have made to our Nation and the
    world, and we remember the tremendous suffering they endured as this
    land changed.
    For more than 500 years, women and men from every corner of the globe
    have embarked on journeys to our shores as did Columbus. Some have
    sought refuge from religious or political oppression, and others have
    departed nations ravaged by war, famine, or economic despair. Columbus
    charted a course for generations of Italians who followed his crossing
    to America. As Italy marks the 150th anniversary of its unification this
    year, we celebrate the incalculable contributions of Italian Americans,
    whose determination, hard work, and leadership have done so much to
    build the strength of our Nation.
    What Columbus encountered over half a millennia ago was more than earth
    or continent. His epic quest into the unknown may not have revealed the
    new trade route he sought, but it exposed the boundless potential of a
    new frontier. It is this intrepid character and spirit of possibility
    that has come to define America, and is the reason countless families
    still journey to our shores.
    In commemoration of Christopher Columbus' historic voyage 518 years ago,
    the Congress, by joint resolution of April 30, 1934, and modified in
    1968 (36 U.S.C. 107), as amended, has requested the President proclaim
    the second Monday of October of each year as ``Columbus Day.''
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
    America, do hereby proclaim October 11, 2010, 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

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    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 eighth day of
    October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    fifth.
    BARACK OBAMA