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

 
PROCLAMATION 8581--OCT. 8, 2010

Proclamation 8581 of October 8, 2010
Leif Erikson Day, 2010
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Over 1,000 years ago, the lure of discovery led Leif Erikson--a son of
Iceland and grandson of Norway--and his crew on an ambitious exploration
of present-day Greenland and Canada. Centuries later, after a months-
long ocean voyage, a group of Norwegians landed in New York City on
October 9, 1825, the first large group of immigrants to arrive in the
United States from Norway. To commemorate that event and pay tribute to
our rich Nordic-American heritage, we celebrate Leif Erikson Day in
honor of the first European known to set foot on North American soil
more than a millennium ago.
Countless immigrants who crossed the Atlantic on voyages to the New
World looked to Leif Erikson as a symbol of fortitude and a hero who did
not turn back in the face of danger and uncertainty. Leif Erikson's

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bold courage echoes in the daring and intrepid spirit of the pioneers
who built and shaped our young country, and in the determination, self-
reliance, and innovation of the Nordic settlers who made enduring
contributions to the American character. Today, Nordic Americans
immeasurably enrich our national life as neighbors and leaders in
communities across America.
Guided by the strength and resolve of Leif Erikson and the countless
Nordic immigrants who came in his wake, let us steadfastly reach for the
promise of tomorrow. It is their spirit of exploration and progress that
helped forge our great country, and that will continue to guide us as we
strive for a better and brighter future.
To honor Leif Erikson and celebrate our 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, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2010, 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 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